Day 17 | Helping others prosper

Reflection

This week we'll explore the purpose God gives us in our friendships.

Jonathan and David struck up a brilliant friendship. They became like brothers, growing together in the same household. It’s not a peaceful household, however. Saul’s mood swings dominate the environment, leaving it continually unsafe. David’s success makes the king jealous, and his life is regularly threatened (see 1 Samuel 18–19).

In all this, it would be easy for Jonathan to take on his father’s bitterness and jealousy. Instead, Jonathan and David become a go-to example of good friendship in the Bible. Jonathan and his sister, Michal, both risk their own safety to keep him safe from Saul’s anger. Their radical friendship is an example to us of how to love one another, working for each other’s prosperity and the peace of the household.

In the much-loved children’s books Winnie-the-Pooh, the author, A.A. Milne, presents beautiful models of friendship. Pooh and his curious collection of friends somehow get along together. They always look out for one another, making sure the whole group prospers, whether that’s by drawing Eeyore into the adventure, indulging Pooh’s latest attempt to get honey, or hunting down a Heffalump.

While most of us are unlikely to have such a significant impact as Jonathan, David, or Winnie-the-Pooh in inspiring our generation to be better friends, we can all be good friends to those around us. In both of these situations, friends are looking out for each other’s welfare. For that reason, we can start (if we aren’t already) viewing our friendships with real God-given purpose.

Who is God nudging you to be a good friend to today? Who can you help flourish today?

Jesus, thank you that you offer me the best friendship around. Help me to keep an eye out today for people who I can be a good friend to. I pray for ..., that you would help me to make a difference in their day. Amen.