"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." Elbert Hubbard

Isn't that something we all crave? It's a place we can make mistakes, reveal our flaws, but still be loved and accepted. In studying the Bible I've found there is more involved in biblical friendship. Let's talk about Jonathan and David.

First, a few facts:

• Jonathan was King Saul's son. He had proved to be a soldier who had a strong faith in God who guided him and provided victory in battle. (1 Samuel 14:1-15) Saul, on the other hand had often been impatient and apt to rely on his own reasoning instead of waiting for God?s direction.
  
• Jonathan was a friend to David, the greatest king of Israel and ancestor of the Lord Jesus. After David was anointed, but before he became king, he spent a lot of time running from the armies of Jonathan's father.


• Saul became jealous of Israel's love for David, so he set out to kill him. Jonathan, a godly son, spoke truth to Saul, attempting to bring him to repentance. He wasn't successful.


• Jonathan protected his friend, David, by warning him of Saul's plans.

Jonathan and David as friends.

• 1 Samuel 18 NIV says Jonathan and David were "one in soul."


• Jonathan was humble. He willingly gave up his right to kingship, took off his robe, armor, and sword, and gave them to David.


• Jonathan was an encourager. As David hid from Saul's army, Jonathan went to him. He could have fed into David's fear. He could have encouraged David to retaliate. The Bible says Jonathan "helped him find strength in God." (1 Samuel 23:16-18 NIV)

Read more about Jonathan and David in the Old Testament of the Bible, in 1 Samuel.

Am I a friend like Jonathan?

• Am I a friend at all times? Jonathan's father wanted to kill David. If he?d succeeded, Jonathan would have been the next king. Quite a temptation.
  "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." Proverbs 17:17


• Am I humble? (Humility: Freedom from pride or arrogance.) Am I willing to give up the glory in order to promote a friend?
  "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2


• Am I an encourager? Do I help my friend find strength in the truth of God's word? Does my encouragement strengthen my friend's faith?
  
  "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:6

In thinking of these friends, Jonathan and David, I see there is one element that cements the friendship. Faith in God is the center of both their lives and in the center of their friendship.

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 ESV

'Do not be misled: ?Bad company ruins good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV