JULY 17 “INTIMACY IN FRIENDSHIP”

For good understanding, getting the correct definition of a subject matter is necessary. A friend is defined in the dictionary as “a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile.; a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.” There is a popular traditional saying that “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” meaning that the person who stands by and supports you when the chips are down is a true friend. Ordinarily, one would imagine that friendship in the body of Christ would mimic what we have just defined and that is the way it should be.

We see in our text for today, the friendship between David and Jonathan which is a clear indicator of intimacy. Although both of them were of different social status, Jonathan being the son of the king (Saul), a prince and a possible heir apparent to the throne, and David, an ‘ordinary’ citizen, there was a deep bond between them to the point of them taking an oath of allegiance to each other! It is stated in verse 1 that Jonathan loved David as his own soul. He protected and defended him even against his own father the king. Such is the type of friendship that should be cultivated and exhibited in the Church – one that stands the test of times and seasons of life.

As a family, it is expected that there should be a bond of friendship among us, resisting all traces of class distinctions, groupings or associations. A good friend is a good support system. In our memory verse, Jesus called us friends and closed the gap of secrecy between Him and us. This is based on trust. In friendship, trusting one another with even the deepest secret should never be a problem. Be your brother’s keeper! Be a friend indeed!

PRAYER: Father, please help me to be a true friend that loves even through difficult times and let this be the norm in Your church in Jesus’ name, Amen.