Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-4; Proverbs 27:10
Memory Verse: “Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, nor go to your brother’s house on the day of your calamity; better is a neighbour nearby than a brother far away” (Proverbs 27:10).
Man is a social animal. The number and quality of people in a man’s life define the level of success the man will make in life. Many people are brought into our lives by divine providence. David would never have met Jonathan, if he had not been sent to deliver provisions to his brothers on the battlefield. It is not everyone you meet that can be your friend. The believer has nothing in common with the unbeliever and must be wary of the unbeliever’s friendship (2
Corinthians 6:14-18). Treat everyone with respect and maintain open doors, but choose your friends wisely (Proverbs 13:20).
Aspire to make quality friends. Pray that God will help you overcome any limiting personal traits. Your value in the kingdom of God depends on your ability to make friends. When Jesus delivered the madman of Gadara, he commissioned him to locate his friends and preach to them (Mark 5:18-20). You cannot have friends, unless you are friendly and approachable. So, ensure you are also friendly.
Friendship demands availability, closeness, and sacrifice. Do not expect favour from a distant person. Build the bridge to shorten the distance. Jonathan gave up all for David. His life was bound up with the life of David. Friendship
overcomes distance, age, sex, race, power, and wealth. David remained faithful to Jonathan’s family, even after Jonathan’s death. That was the depth of the love they had for each other.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, help me to be a friend indeed to people You bring into my life.
2. Lord, make me relevant to the lives of others.