Biblical Friendship: Part 1

What makes a friendship truly great? This exploration of David and Jonathan's relationship in 1 Samuel reveals that the most powerful friendships aren't built on mutual entertainment or convenience, but on shared loves—particularly a shared passion for God's mission. We discover that Jonathan's soul was knit to David's not after casual coffee dates, but after witnessing David's bold faith in defeating Goliath. Both men shared an unwavering trust in God and a commitment to His purposes. This teaches us that Christ-centered friendships are fundamentally different from worldly ones: they're about two people gazing together at something great rather than merely at each other. When we build friendships around our love for Jesus and His kingdom work, we create bonds that can withstand betrayal, hardship, and even death. The challenge before us is clear: are we merely seeking friends who make us feel good, or are we pursuing spiritual friendships where we mutually strengthen each other's hands in God? True friendship requires us to rise and go—to intentionally invest in others, to share our lives authentically, and to remind one another of God's promises when discouragement threatens to overwhelm us.