Some people are naturally great friends as in the Piglet and Pooh kind of way.
Others, like me, must really work at it. The struggle is real. What are the characteristics of a deep, devoted friendship?
In 1 Samuel 23, David was being hunted by Saul day after day. Although God didn’t let Saul find him, it had to be exhausting. An ongoing, relentless battle to survive.
Knowing David’s predicament, Jonathan went to find him. As David’s closest friend, Jonathon shows us three keys to being a devoted friend - the ultimate BFF.
1. Jonathon encouraged David to stay strong in his faith in God.
We all need encouragement. When we are running and weary, when the battle is raging around us, we need a friend to come along beside us and encourage us to stay strong in our faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
2. Jonathon reminded David to not be afraid and reassured him of God’s plan.
We all need reminders. Especially in difficult seasons, it is easy to fear, and fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons. It is easy to start doubting God’s plan and that He can use all things for good – even the hard stuff. We need a friend, like Jonathon, to remind us “Do not be afraid.” Proverbs 27:9b says, “the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
3. Jonathan pledged to stay beside David.
We all need a faithful friend. One who stands besides us in the ups and downs, rejoicing with us when we rejoice, weeping with us when we weep. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
What’s the best way to find a friend like this? It is to be a friend like this. “If you go looking for a friend, you're going to find they're very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere.” (Zig Ziglar).
In our social media world, we have lots of “friends.” Although we may have many friends, we can’t possibly be the Jonathon-kind-of-friend to everyone. Jonathon chose one. Jesus chose three.
True friendship requires real communication and connection.
Time to encourage your friend in faith, remind your friend not to fear, and stand steadfast beside your friend in battle.
“A friend is someone who helps you up when you’re down, and if they can’t, they lay down beside you and listen.” —Winnie the Pooh
That’s the measure of a deep, devoted friendship and a challenge for me to be a better friend.