Your Daily Devotional for March 3, 2006

March 3, 2006

 

The Gift of Godly Friendship

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.”

1 Samuel 18:1-3

 

In this passage, we read about a special friendship between David and Jonathan—the son of King Saul. After David killed Goliath, he was brought before Saul. As David was speaking, something happened in Jonathan’s heart. The Bible says, “the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”

 

In 1 Samuel 18:14 we read about the character of David: “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.” As David stood before King Saul that day, I believe Jonathan was attracted to his godliness. Jonathan had respect and admiration for David’s faith. The reason that their souls were knit together was because there was a spiritual attraction.

 

Often relationships based on trivialities crumble because the spiritual foundation is weak. Jonathan recognized that David was behaving himself wisely in the king’s presence. He was drawn to David’s strength and to his relationship with God.

 

What attracts you to your friends? What qualities draw you nearer to them? When you see your friends, do you say, “Just being around them helps me to love God and to love holiness. They help me hold the standard high in the way that I talk, walk, and live”? The answer to these questions will tell you a lot about yourself.

 

Many times, even in church, people are drawn to those who do not encourage them spiritually. It is God’s intention that our friendships tend to godliness. Nearness is likeness—when we spend large amounts of time with our friends, we begin to share their interests, opinions, and beliefs.

 

How important it is for us to choose friends who will encourage us to serve the Lord and to obey His commandments. I have often heard that our friendships determine our destiny. Let’s purpose today to develop those relationships that draw us closer to Christ.

 

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