A True Friend Indeed

" And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” -1 Samuel 25:16-17

After reading about David and Jonathan's friendship and how true it remained despite all adversity, I went back to the beginning of 1 Samuel to find out more.
"After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. ² From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. ³ And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. ⁴ Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt."-1 Samuel 18:1-4 

I honestly believe that the reason David and Jonathan had such a strong friendship was because David was devoted to God wholeheartedly and this is what made him different from the others. Jonathan admired that so much he loved David like his own blood and they both made a promise before God to be true friends before their jobs or families (brilliant military leader/prince of Israel). 

In my own personal life, I am truly thankful to have friends and family that can be honest about my flaws and failures despite spending a lot of time in solitude for my job. Although I teach multiple students, it is sometimes difficult for me to be honest in our lessons since no one likes being corrected and told to fix things! Yet if no one told them or spent time on them, how could each note and phrase in each piece be perfected and made complete in time for the performance? Sometimes being truthful in rebuke  is more helpful than hearing how one is so gifted and talented because it builds up character and discipline, though it may be hard at first without taking it so personally. We might not see it at first, but I think God put those people in our lives for that reason.  A good friend in need is a good friend indeed.

Prov. 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Prov. 18:24: One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Lord, thank you for Your Truth-for sending Jesus to die for our sins and rise again, just as He had said: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Let us remember to value your friendship in all we do today in our daily lives and continue to strengthen our personal relationship with You. Help us to be open to correction and honesty in order to build up ourselves for Your Church. Give us words of wisdom in love as we keep our friends and ourselves accountable.