Daily Devotions
The Measure of a True Friend
Reading for March 26th: 1 Samuel 17-18
As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
1 Samuel 18:1
What is a friend? Do you define friendship by what you get or by how much you can give?
Jonathan was a true friend to David. After he made a covenant with David, he sealed it by giving David the robe off of his back, his armor, his sword, his bow, and his belt (1 Samuel 18:3-4). Those were not trivial gifts. Jonathan gave away his royal robe, the robe that defined him as the king's son. He gave away his most treasured possessions as he gave away those weapons and armor.
Ultimately, Jonathan was willing to give David the throne. He wanted David to be the king, not himself. He even stood up to his father when he was rebuked for protecting David from his wrath (1 Samuel 20:30-31).
This is the measure of a true friend. A true friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). A true friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17). A true friend will even lay down his life for you (John 15:13).
Friendship is not about getting attention, and receiving gifts and favors, and selfishly seeking your own benefit. Friendship is about giving. It's about true love and sacrifice, of genuine concern and care. It is the mind of Christ.
Thank you for being our friend, O Lord, and for helping us to see what friendship truly is all about.
