God is doing something unique and special in you and with you.
He may choose to use your friends to push you and to challenge you toward that end. But don’t forget, He created you to be you, not to be them.
We’ve been considering an amazing story of friendship between David and Jonathan. To Jonathan’s credit, he never really seemed to compare himself to David.
In fact, I would say that David’s influence for God and everything that David was able to accomplish wouldn’t have been possible without his friendship with Jonathan. Jonathan always had David’s back and he was willing to fight for their friendship.
Ironically, it wasn’t Jonathan who became jealous of David. It was Jonathan’s father, King Saul. Saul noticed how David was rising in popularity and he felt threatened.
Things got so far out of hand, that in 1 Samuel 19:1, we are told that “Saul now urged his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David.”
Saul goes from promoting David to wanting to kill him.
Because of his close friendship with David, Jonathan told David about his father’s plans (see 1 Samuel 19:1-5).
Jonathan had David’s back when it would have been quite difficult to do so. Jonathan demonstrates how a true friend will always have your back, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Can you imagine how hard it would have been for Jonathan to do what he did to protect David? In some ways, it would have been easier for Jonathan to walk away. But he didn’t do that. He hung in there for David. He had David’s back — even when it was difficult.
Even in the face of immense pressure from his dad, Jonathan didn’t forsake his friend. Not only was their friendship strong, but it was strong enough for them to be completely honest with each other.
They were able to speak the truth, even when the truth was hard to hear. Godly friends speak the truth, even when it hurts. Proverbs 27:6 says that “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” A true friend will speak up before it is too late.
Do you have any close friends who can ask the hard questions of you? Are you willing to hear from them without becoming defensive?
It takes a lot of courage and a lot of humility to have conversations like these, but these conversations are evidence of a relationship that has a solid foundation.
You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected]. Send comments to awoods@ aimmediaindiana.com.