Saul now urged his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David. But the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and he told him what his father was planning.
1 Samuel 19:1
Human beings were created to be relational, and friendships are an extremely important part of our lives. We need friends—people we can bond with in mutual affection. However not just any friend will do; having the ‘right friends’ is key, and godly discernment is required. The Bible gives clear warnings about the wrong types of friends. We are not to be friends with a hot-tempered person and warns us against those friends who entice us to do wrong. We should not associate with evildoers, no matter how great the promised reward or how appealing their “friendship” seems to be. Those whose “feet rush to sin” should be avoided at all costs. The path they choose is no path for a Christian to follow. Never forget: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)One of the greatest biblical examples of true friendship is David and Jonathan, son of King Saul. Jonathan’s loyalty to his friend, David, exceeded that to his own father and his own ambitions. So attached was David to his loyal friend that, after Jonathan’s death, David wrote a song to him, a tribute filled with heart-wrenching words. Theirs was a friendship closer than brotherhood. So what are some characteristics of an authentic, “true” friend? One that honors God . . .
- A true friend shows love at all times, but who doesn’t love blindly!
- A true friend gives heartfelt advice, bringing joy to the heart!
- A true friend rebukes when necessary, but the correction is done in love!
- A true friend influences, encourages, and sharpens!
- A true friend avoids gossip about their friend!
- A true friend forgives and does not hold grudges!
- A true friend is loyal!
- A true friend is present in time of need!
The greatest friend anyone could possibly have is Jesus Christ. He gladly calls us friends—and He proved His commitment, friendship and affection for us in a convincing way while bleeding out on a cruel, brutal cross: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).To have a friend one must be a friend.Love God! Love People! Live Sent!Be Worth Being,KevinSUBSCRIBE TO "OVER THE HUMP" DEVOTIONALKevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 40 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.
Imagine that you could sit down and pick the brains of some of the top leaders in the country! That's the premise behind the Linch with a Leader podcast. Learn how these leaders - all among the best in their respective field - have risen to the top, while continuing to grow spiritually and chase after the Lord.
