MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. What is a real friend? What are some examples of great friendships?
2. How has God designed us for relationships? Why is this important in a culture that struggles with isolation and loneliness?
3. Is it easy or difficult for you to make friends? Why?
4. Read 1 Samuel 18:1-2. Have you ever had a friend who was different than you? How were you different? How did it affect your friendship?
5. Read 1 Samuel 18:3 and Matthew 22:37-39. How is a true friendship built upon the Great Commandment?
6. Read 1 Samuel 18:4. Describe a situation when a friend has shown you great humility and kindness. How did your relationship change as a result?
7. Have you ever had a “King Saul” in your life? How did that relationship impact your character?
8. Read 1 Samuel 20:1-4. What does it mean to be vulnerable by listening graciously and speaking truthfully?
9. How does our relationship with God shape our relationship with others?
10. Read Galatians 6:2. What does carrying one another’s burdens look like? What does it not look like? How can we discern the difference?
11. Read 1 Samuel 20:6-9. Where can you see loyalty displayed today?
12. Read 1 Samuel 20:41-41. Describe the qualities of a loyal friend.
13. Read Proverbs 17:17. Describe what “all times” can look like. Have you ever had a friendship grow out of difficulty? Explain.
14. Read 1 Samuel 25:15-18. What does it mean to “encourage him in his faith in God”?
15. Read John 15:13-15. How is Jesus the ultimate friend? In what ways can you lean into Him more?
16. How can you model Jesus’s example of friendship to others?
17. How are you going to apply what you’ve learned from the life of David this week?

Live It Out:

A real friend is a gift from God and one who points us back to Him.
A real friend is marked by vulnerability.
A real friend is marked by loyalty.
A real friend encourages us in our faith.

As you revisit the story of David and Jonathan this week, consider how you can…

Be a Jonathan. Are you being a vulnerable, loyal friend that leads others to Jesus? Who are you encouraging to stay strong in their faith in God? Who are you praying for?

Find a Jonathan. God has made us for community. It is so vital to be connected to other people in our church. Life change happens best in community. If you are not in a group, find out how to get connected by going to: https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups.

Reading Plan:
Monday: 1 Samuel 18:1-4
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 20:1-9, 41-42
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 23: 15-18
Thursday: Galatians 6:1-10
Friday: John 15:9-17
Saturday: Romans 12:9-21