Something to think about:

In the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel there’s a story of friendship between a man by the name of David (who would become king of Israel), and another man named Jonathan (the son of the first king of Israel, Saul). Though fraught with difficulty because Saul became David’s enemy, and sought to kill him, David and Jonathan’s friendship would thrive under the most difficult of circumstances.

This friendship was so deep, in fact, that it extended beyond the grave. How so? Well, Saul and Jonathan would die together in battle while David was still on the run from Saul. After that fateful battle, David would assume the throne, while weeping over the loss of those two men. Several years into his reign, David would continue to remember his friend Jonathan, and one day decided to do something uncharacteristic of a King. That’s where we pick up the story today.

Let’s take a look:

Key Point: “True friendship is hard to find, but true friendship that lasts a lifetime bears the seeds of joy and restoration.”

What can we learn about the endearing qualities of true friendship through David’s actions in this passage? Let’s take a look:

1. The seed of David’s friendship to Jonathan took root in his actions toward Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth.

Proverbs 18:24 (NRSV), Some friends play at friendship, but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.

2. The kindness given to Mephibosheth was an extension of David’s friendship with Jonathan.

We have an opportunity to extend true friendship and true joy to others through the seeds of reconciliation and restoration. It takes crucifying your pride and hurts, and allowing the love of Christ to flow through us.

Something to take home:

When people see you, do they see a friendly face; a face that says, “Yes?” Or, do people see a face that either looks away or says, “No?” Do you have friends you can trust and who can trust you? Is your word truly your bond? Are you loyal and trustworthy in all your relationships?

True, wholesome, sincere relationships are the key to joy, and bring hope for restoration.

Finally, consider these words from Paul in his letter to the Romans:

Romans 5:6-11 (NLT), 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Key Point: “True friendship is hard to find, but true friendship that lasts a lifetime bears the seeds of joy and restoration.”