The story starts with Jonathan's heart being knit to the soul of David. This friendship was a gift from God. We should treasure every friendship we have. God had connected their souls.
David needed a friend. He is away from home and family in a strange place. Jonathan prioritized his friendship with David.
For Jonathan, his friendship with David was more valuable than his kingdom. This friendship willingly sacrificed, loved, and gave.
Their friendship was not based on what you do for me and what I do for you. It wasn't a friendship based on getting but giving. Jonathan didn't use his friend.
They made promises to each other about their friendship, a covenant. Jonathan risked his life for his friend, David.
Everybody wants a friend like that, but only some are willing to pay that price. Jonathan was willing to take second place and even give up what he had coming for his friend David.
Jonathan's friendship is found in loving rather than being loved, helping rather than being helped. Jonathan rejoiced in his friend's success.
Jonathan always expressed his friendship when he met with David. He made it clear that they were friends for life. So often, we fail to express our feelings until it is too late.
A friend's wish is a command. The friendship was shown more by Jonathan than David in the Bible story but we see at Jonathan's death that David deeply felt their friendship.
It should be our desire to be a friend regardless of whether or not the friendship is returned. It is not about getting but giving.
The time to appreciate your friend is now. David did things for Jonathan after Jonathan's death, but how much sweeter if we express our appreciation and friendship when we can both enjoy it?
Do you want to be a friend? Are you willing to pay the price to be a true friend? Real friends walk in when others walk out.