Daily EncouragementSample

The friendship of David and Jonathan is proverbial. The wonder of it is perfectly portrayed in the words of David’s lament: “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women” (2 Sam. 1:26).

Here we see that friendship in action. How strong is the concern of a friend. “Jonathan went to David . . . ” there was difficulty and danger involved, but a friend like this “loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17), and he has the kind of love which would cause him to lay down his life on a friend’s behalf (John 15:13).

How unselfish is the attitude of a friend. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You shall be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this” (1 Sam. 23:17). Friendship willingly takes second place. The friend of the bridegroom is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice and rejoices in his joy (John 3:27-30).

How vital is the contribution of a friend in spiritual things. “Jonathan . . . helped him to find strength in God.” The best friends will always remind us of the perfect Friend and lead us to him.