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True Friends
I want to continue on the topic of relationships and the next thing I will share is the subject of friends. I’m going to share the art of developing your relationship to your acquaintance until you’re classified as being a friend. Then we will discuss being a friend of God. Lastly, we will discuss the topic of evil friends.
Friends Defined
Friend-(Grk.#5384 Philos)-Dear friend, fond friend, friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.) (John 15:13-15)
Friend-(Heb.#7453 Reya)- An associate (more or less close): Brother, companion, fellow friend, husband, lover, neighbor, (other) Prov.17:17
Friend-(Heb.#157 Ahab, or Aheb)- To have affection for (sexually or other -wise); Beloved, like friend. (Prov.18:24/ 27:6)
Friend-(Life Application Study Bible definition)-Intimate companion or associate; one attached to another by affection or esteem.
Friend- (American Heritage dictionary)-1. A person whom one knows, likes and trusts. 2. One who supports, sympathizes with...
David and Jonathan become friends
When David and Jonathan met, they became close friends at once. Their friendship is one of the deepest and closest recorded in the bible. So we are going to go deep into their lives but short and sweet.
5 Main Principles of becoming good friends
1. David and Jonathan based their friendship on their commitment to God (1 Sam. 18:3/ 20:16-17)
2. They based it on common interest with each other (1 Sam. 18:1-4)
3. They let nothing come between them; not career (as next king)(1 Sam.23:16-18); not family problems (Saul’s jealousy)(1 Sam.18:6-30); nor Saul’s murderous plots or sisters separation (1 Sam.19:9-17/ 20:1-46/ 23:7-18)
4. They drew closer together when their friendship was tested (1 Sam.20)
5. They remained friends to the end (1 Sam.20:14-17/ 23:16-17/ 2 Sam.1:26)
David and Jonathan developed 9 qualities to have a genuine friendship
1. Friends get to KNOW each other (1 Sam.17:32—20:42/ 23:14-18)
David and Jonathan got to know each other during a national crisis (1 Sam.17:32-49)
During great victories (1 Sam.17:50-58)
During godly and wise conduct (1 Sam.18:5,12-16,30)
During domestic disputes (1 Sam.18:7-12/ 1 Sam.20)
During life threatening situations (1 Sam.17:40-51/ 1 Sam.20)
2. Friends get to LIKE each other
David and Jonathan battled the same enemy (1 Sam.17:52-58/ 18:1-4)
They worked the same job and accomplished the task (1 Sam.17:52-54)
They shared a common interest (1 Sam.18:1-4)
They were always sincere to what they did individually and while they were together (1 Sam.20:28-34)
3. Friends get to TRUST & BELIEVE each other
When David and Jonathan experienced the same challenges and overcame them with a full-proof divine plan they grew in their trust and belief toward one another and God (1 Sam.14:1,6-14/ 1 Sam.17:45-51)
They committed to each other and always seen that their commitment has been kept (1 Sam.19:1-7/ 1 Sam.20)
4. Friends SUPPORT each other
During times of weakness David and Jonathan strengthen each other (1 Sam.23:14-18)
During times of fear and confusion they built each other up with faith filled words of encouragement (1 Sam.20)
During times of frustration and anger (1 Sam.20:32-34)
During times of bad or broken relationships-(with his father-in-law 1Sam. 20) or ( with his sister and David’s wife 1 Sam.19:11-19)
5. Friends SYMPATHIZES with each other
When they experienced near death encounters by the same factors (1 Sam.19:9-10/ 20:33)
6. Friends PROTECT each other
They protect their God given goals (1 Sam.23:16-18)
They protect their reputation (1 Sam.19:1-7, esp.v.4)
They protect the interest of others (relatives & community) apart from their own goals and desires or dreams (1 Sam.20:13-15)
7. Friends SACRIFICE themselves for one another
Their time- by spending as much time to resolve issues (1 Sam.19:1-7)
Their career- by not be highly concern for position and financial security especially when you know the Lord shall provide (1 Sam. 23:16-18)
Their relationships to their own relatives when the party is wrong (1 Sam.20)
8. Friends remain LOYAL to each other
When they’re committed to carrying out their promises to each other (1 Sam.20)
When they won’t allow wrong to stand in the way of right (1 Sam.19:4-6/ 20:32)
When they remain faithful during separation (1 Sam.20:42)
During persecutions by relatives (1 Sam.23:16-18)
9. Friends grow in their LOVE for one another
When they witness similar characteristics (1 Sam.18:1-4)
When new challenges and trials enter their lives and they recommit themselves and vow to overcome them and succeed at it (1 Sam.20:16-42)
When one party dies and they recognize that their love is beyond the love that was expressed by others (2 Sam.1:26)
Although this teaching may be male gendered but females can read the story of David and Jonathan and consider the principles that they lived out to be recognized as devoted friends.
The same goes for couples who are building their relationship from an Acquaintance level to a friendship level. So don’t think this teaching can’t apply to you. Use it and you’ll see it works.
It worked for David and Jonathan it works for my friend and I, it will work for you too.
God bless you to wisely live this out.
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