Male Friendship 101: David, Jon, & Iron MikeSample

1 Samuel 23:16, "And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God."

Jonathan's example is two-fold: he is the friend you want and the type of friend you want to be. Jonathan "strengthened David in God." If there is one quality to look for in a friend, this is it: choose friends who help you find strength in God. Find friends who will push you to better places, remembering that the best of friends will move you toward God. Look for friends who will move you toward God, and be a friend who helps others find strength in God!

How does Jonathan strengthen David in God? Jonathan encourages David by reminding him of the Lord's promise: "you will be king over Israel" (v. 17). Jonathan speaks God's words over his friend.

More times than not, the voice your friend needs to hear is not their own but God's. God's Word gives strength, comfort, wisdom, and guidance in times of need. God's Word brings hope, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4).

Surround yourself with friends who will speak God's Word into your life. Be the friend who speaks God's Word into the life of others. May you be strengthened and strengthen those around you in God.

Lesson: God will use our friends to grow us spiritually. Do you spend most of your time with people who help you look like Jesus? If not, you should reconsider the company you keep. Your mama was right: "show me your friends, and I'll show you your future."