Stories abound of friends who betray each other. People you seem to trust the most end up stabbing you at the back. Yet there are friends that stick to one more than blood relation.
What do you want to find in someone you can call your friend? Why can't you take the lead and be that kind of a friend instead of expecting much from others. What you want others to do to you, do to them likewise. 'Therefore, all things, whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them' (Mat. 7:12) That's how to a friend others would be proud of. Do you detest being disappointed? Never disappoint anyone. Do you hate betrayal? Never betray anyone. Do you want people to be there for you when you need them most? Be there for someone when you are most needed.
David and Jonathan were young and from different background. David had a lowly heritage while Jonathan was the heir apparent to the throne of Israel. As they became friends, it became evident that David would one day succeed Saul-Jonathan's father as kind by divine election and providence.
Saul at a time during his reign attempted to kill David and Jonathan knew about it. Instead of aligning with his father to stab David at the back so he could ascend the throne thereafter, he refused bluntly at the risk of his life. He was there for Jonathan and helped him through being assassinated. David escaped and lived to become king!
If you have a friend competing with you for the same post and opportunity what would you do to him when you have the chance to eliminate him? Would you rather prefer he falls so you could rise or you'd rather allow him go through and leave things in the hands of God to work for you?
Jonathan was a true model of a good friend. Positive attitude that can be emulated from the life of Jonathan include:
Jonathan Put His Life At Risk For David
'And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem' ( 1 Sam 20: 28) He had arranged with David to cover him when his father asked after him. He did exactly what he promised thus putting his own life at risk. What can you risk for your friend?
Jonathan Defended David
'And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, wherefore shall he be slain? what hat he done?'(Vs 32) Jonathan stood his ground and defended David against a reigning kind who wielded great power. He was ready to die so his friend could live. He was a trusted folk. Can anyone trust you to defend them when it really matters?
Jonathan Never Broke His Promise
And Jonathan said to David, go in peace, for as much as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord , saying, the Lord be between me and thee and between my seed and thy seed for ever.' (vs 42) Can you keep a promise you made to a friend? Learn from Jonathan. Position yourself to be a kind of friend people can trust. The world will be better for it. Your life will shine for it. Your testimony will be better for it.
Without Jesus in your life, it will be difficult to abide by this principle well executed by Jonathan for it is unwise for the carnally minded. Selfless love is only possible in Christ. Invite him to your life today and things will be different.
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