Extraordinary Friends
Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1).
It is tough going through life alone, it is much worse to go through life surrounded by the wrong people. In God’s Word we find helpful and practical advice on the kind of people to have or not have as close friends. The sum and substance of these scriptures is: show me your friends and I will show you where you are headed. Here are some bad friends alert mentioned in the Bible. Proverbs 13:20 says “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 22:24-25 tells us to “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” Proverbs 14:7 tells us to stay away, to escape quickly from a fool; anyone you will not find knowledge on his lips. Hanging out with fools should be a No, No for anyone who understands the power of influence. According to the Bible a fool is anyone that conversing with is an utter waste of your time, anyone who refuses to take correction and amend his or her ways, anyone that places worldly pleasures above God and has no respect and regard for God.
One of the most admirable relationships in the Bible is the friendship that existed between David and Jonathan. Everyone needs a David and Jonathan friendship. Someone that loves you deeply and genuinely, not a fake friend that pretends to care (1 Samuel 18:1). There was such a strong bond between David and Jonathan, a bond that had God as the core and center of their friendship (1 Samuel 18:3, 1 Samuel 20:42). They were ready to do everything possible to prevent each other from being hurt and harmed (1 Samuel 19:1-3). Compare this with the friendship that existed between Amnon and Jonadab. Amnon had no business having Jonadab as a friend. The Bible describes Jonadab as a crafty, cunning, shrewd fellow. This was evident from the advice he gave his friend when Amnon told him that he had feelings for Tamar. Jonadab’s advice to Amnon resulted in Tamar being raped. Amnon raping Tamar resulted in Amnon’s life being cut short two years after by Absalom, who was enraged at what Amnon did to Tamar, his sister (2 Samuel 13). May we not have destiny destroyers as friends and advisers.
The strong alliance between David and Jonathan stemmed from the fact that they were not jealous of or threatened by each other’s achievements and accomplishments. Jonathan had no problem with seeing his friend David promoted to become King of Israel (1 Samuel 20:30-32). The most touching and remarkable aspect of their friendship was when years after Jonathan’s death, David sought out for Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth and restored to him lands belonging to his grandfather Saul. David gave Mephibosheth a secure place and position in the palace; he ensured that Mephibosheth was treated like one of the king’s sons. For posterity, everyone needs a David and Jonathan friendship; a friend who extends love and kindness to other members of your family even when you aren’t there (2 Samuel 9:1-13). Such a friend qualifies to be given the Extraordinary Friend badge. “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women” (2 Samuel 1:26).
It’s better to have one good friend than one hundred undependable friends. Here’s praying that God gives you extraordinary friends and makes you an extraordinary friend to someone.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the best Friend anyone could ever have. Fill me with more of You. Renew my mind and replace it with the mind of Christ. Make me loving, loyal and sincere. Help me to demonstrate and manifest the attributes of an Extraordinary Friend.
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