Building Friendships

April 27, 2009
Building Lasting Friendships
1 SAMUEL 18:1-4

Genuine friends are rare treasures. However, the Lord created us for meaningful relationships; it's difficult to flourish if we live in isolation. By design, we are made to share life with others, as well as to give and receive love.

Surface friendships don't satisfy this need. But unfortunately, many people never experience anything deeper. This is why so many individuals are lonely--even if they're always surrounded by others.

What some men and women don't realize is that healthy relationships require diligent work. Once God brings the right people into our lives, we must devote time and effort for appropriate and fruitful intimacy to develop.

In the book of 1 Samuel, David and Jonathan exemplify this type of closeness, although they seemed like improbable companions: David was merely a shepherd, whereas Jonathan was a prince. But to them, status didn't matter. In addition to humility, they demonstrated great respect for each other's faith and courageous love of Israel.

The two felt as committed as brothers and gave of themselves generously. For example, Jonathan gave David his robe--a prized possession of the king's son--in order to show his loyalty and love (v. 4). The prince even risked his life and reputation in order to save his friend (1 Sam. 20:27-32).

Do you have a person like this--someone with whom to share your joys and sadnesses, strengths and weaknesses, fears and pain? Thankfully, Jesus is the best friend we can have. But He also desires that we have close relationships with others. What can you do today to build this type of friendship?