1 Samuel 17:55 – 18:4; Romans 5:6-11

1 Sam 18:1: “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”

Real friendship is a rare gift. The average person has six close friendships in a lifetime. Many of us feel very lonely.

“Most men live lives of quiet desperation.” – David Thoreau

What can we learn from the friendship of David and Jonathan that we can apply to our lives? They had mutual -

1. Respect - 1 Sam 18:3-4, Romans 5:6-8

- Jonathan acknowledged David’s giftedness as leader of Israel, and gave up his right as heir to the throne.

- David sought Jonathan’s advice. 1 Sam 20:1-2

John 15:13: “Greater love hath no one than this: that they lay down their life for their friends.”

2. Compassion - 1 Sam 20:3-4, Romans 5:8-10

- Jonathan helped David in his hour of need.

- David repaid that kindness to Jonathan’s son years later. 2 Sam 9:1-9

Math 25:31-46: “Jesus wept”.

Luke 7:34: “The Son of Man is a friend of publicans and sinners.”

3. Trust - 1 Sam 20:18-42, Romans 5:11

- David trusted Jonathan with his life. 1 Sam 20:3

- Jonathan did not betray David’s confidence. 1 Sam 20:39

David reflected on his friendship with Jonathan following Jonathan’s death.

2 Sam 26: “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”

Proverbs 18:24: “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”