TechnoSwimmer | Jesus Christ

Good day. How are you?

So many things happened in 1 Sam 18. David kept winning in battles and completing his missions successfully. And because of that, the people loved him and praised him. It became so much so that the people loved him more than the king. How dare him? Saul did not take that kindly. He became jealous and envious towards David. He believed as the king, he deserved more devotion and love from the people.

Despite Saul’s hatred of David, two things happened. One, Jonathan, his son, loved David. He became a great friend of David. In today’s lingo, he became BFF to David. Two, David became the son-in-law of Saul. The first attempt did not go through but the second one did. David married Michal but not Merab. He survived Saul’s scheme to let him die in the hands of the Phillistines. David, the man after God’s own heart, harboured no ill feelings towards the king who did not like him, feared him, was jealous of him, and just wanted him dead.

I just want to highlight one point from the reading today – friendship.

Jonathan was BFF with David. He was a true friend. The Bible has a lot to say about friendship. You can look up and meditate on Proverbs 12:26; 17:17; 27:9; 27:17; Romans 12:10; Jn 15:12-13; Colossians 3:12-13.

Here are some characteristics of a true friend.

1. They can be honest with you and you are honest with you. They rather break your heart then to let other people break yours. “Nope, that hat looks silly on you.” “No, I do not think taking the job in Bangkok is a good for you or your family at the moment.” Do know that they are risking their relationship with you everytime they offer you frank and honest advices.
2. They will come to your aid when you need them. They are often just a call away. “I don’t know, I think I may be having a heart attack. Can you come over?” “I’m calling for an ambulance and I am coming over now.” “Hi, can you take care of my dog for 2 days?” “Sure, just bring him over.”
3. They want you to do well and they are happy when you do. “Ye scurvy dog, I always know you will be promoted to manager soon! Come here!” (and proceeds to tive you a hug.) They support you when you are going in the right direction.
4. They encourage you. They care about you. They can give you a shoulder to cry on. They can lend an ear. And they can just sit there and say nothing when you need them to sit there and say nothing. They will not let you stay down. When the time comes, they will pull you up.
5. They are patient with you. They are also forviging. Just do not take them for granted, for they do not take you for granted.

How many friends do you have that you can count as true friends? How many people consider you their true friends? Do remember, the best friend you have is Jesus.