Friendship
In 1st Samuel 17-20, David defeats Goliath and all Israel sings his praise, Saul takes David into his household and allows him to marry his daughter Michal, and Saul’s son Jonathan takes him into his heart. The gifts Jonathan gives David, robe, garments, sword, bow and girdle or belt are personal items that reflect his authority as descendent of the king and heir to his throne.
The story of Jonathan and David focuses on a friendship that is enduring and draws two men closer than family. Two kindred spirits are joined together in a friendship in which Jonathan places David’s safety above his own. There are those in our society who would attempt to use this friendship to justify immoral behavior, but friendship is an integral part of life.
Early in life we are primarily attracted to our own gender in friendships and are most comfortable with family and those persons who are friendly towards us. When all of our siblings are the opposite s*x we may become comfortable with persons of the opposite gender, but that is not always the case; as a general rule boys are comfortable with boys and girls with girls.
God says “it is not good for man to be alone” which helps us to understand our need to fellowship with one another, we need one another. Friendships are natural, normal and necessary for our well being. Healthy marriages begin with stable friendships that grow into mutual love and respect and life long friendships begin with a friendship and grow into mutual love and respect.
When friendships exceed the propriety of decency moving outside of God’s provision (marriage) whether it is between opposite or same s*x couples friendship is reduced to something far less than God intended. By the same token s*x engaged in by same s*x couples is not legitimized by the solemnity of marriage vows. Therefore as God’s people we must guard our hearts and minds from error.
The friendship that Jonathan extended to David was reciprocated and both benefited from a wellspring of mutual respect that is reflected in Jonathan’s early recognition of David’s role as the next King of Israel and Jonathan looked forward to serving under his leadership. Their friendship continued in spite of the opposition of his father (King Saul) who attempted to kill them both.
Godly friendships affirm who we are and challenge us to be the best that we can be. Godly friendships protect us from isolation and provide social interaction to develop strength and character. Godly friendships such as David and Jonathan, and Naomi and Ruth were entered into sincerely and grew into fruitful relationships that enriched their lives and all those they touched.
Scripted by: Pastor James Perkins of the True Friendship B. C.
Inglewood, California
Posted By:
Saturday, September 20th 2008 at 11:03AM
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