by Elizabeth Haarberg

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most.”
1 Samuel 20:41 ESV

Friendship is a funny thing. As we are creatures that crave relationship, and conversation, the question isn’t whether we need friends, but how deep and trusting are we willing to go.

Discernment is an important piece of developing meaningful and lasting friendships, recognizing that a friend’s purpose is not to replace God but to enhance His glory. Controlling, co-dependent, unhealthy behavior is not part of the heavenly plan when it comes to relationships.

I’m drawn to people who know more, have a deeper faith, and make me a better person. I want to be pulled up, and not pushed down with gossip and destructive behavior.

Jesus modeled friendship when He walked here. He called on three disciples to be His closest confidants (James, Peter and John). The other nine were very important, but a little further outside of His primary circle. There were others that were followers, but they rested even more outside the circle than the twelve. Jesus loved, and still loves, the world, but His secrets were, and still are, transcribed for those closest to Him.

Jonathan had a deep affection for David. He saw into David’s heart, and perhaps sensed God’s royal anointing. Jonathan had every right to be jealous of David, since David was the biggest hurdle between Jonathan and the throne. Instead, he embraced David. He valued him more than his own life. There was such an affection for one another they kissed and wept for each other. Their love was so pure and sincere.

The depth of their friendship is a model for what I aspire to be as a friend.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado