Title: Friends, More Than Brothers.

1 Samuel 18:1  And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

(Read 1 Samuel 18: 1-3)

Devotion: Friendship is a gift that reflects God's love and design for human connection. While blood relationships are significant, there are friendships that transcend the bonds of kinship, rooted in spiritual purpose and deep mutual affection. Such friendships often mirror the relationship God desires to have with us and teach us the value of love, loyalty, and selflessness.  

 Biblical Examples of Friendship  

1. David and Jonathan 

   The friendship between David and Jonathan is one of the most powerful examples in the Bible. Despite Jonathan being Saul’s son and heir to the throne, he recognized God's plan for David and supported him wholeheartedly. Their bond was marked by selflessness, loyalty, and covenant.  

   - 1 Samuel 18:3 - "And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself."  

   - 1 Samuel 20:17 - "And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself."  

2. Ruth and Naomi  

   Though not initially friends, Ruth’s unwavering devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi illustrates a bond stronger than mere obligation. Her choice to stay with Naomi and adopt her faith highlights sacrificial love.  

   - Ruth 1:16 - "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."  

3. Jesus and His Disciples  

   Jesus exemplifies the ultimate friend—one who sacrifices everything for the sake of love. He calls His disciples friends, teaching them to love one another as He loves them.  

   - John 15:13-15 - "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends."  

 Lessons from Biblical Friendship  

- Selflessness and Sacrifice: True friends put each other’s needs above their own, as seen in Jonathan’s protection of David and Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity.  

- Loyalty and Covenant: Friendships that endure are built on trust and commitment, like the covenant between David and Jonathan.  

- Support and Encouragement: Friends provide guidance and encouragement during trials, like Naomi and Ruth’s journey together.  

 Reflection  

God designed friendship to be a reflection of His own relationship with us—one of love, grace, and selflessness. Friendships that go beyond familial bonds remind us of the strength, comfort, and joy that comes from walking alongside others in faith.  

  Take a moment to reflect: Do you have friends who feel like family to you? How can you nurture those relationships and embody the biblical principles of friendship?  

  The Bible says in Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." We should strive to be friends who uplift, encourage, and love one another with the heart of Christ.  

By God's grace we will continue on this topic tomorrow.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, if you have questions or concerns please reach out to me at gbemide09@gmail.com or my WhatsApp number 08032980235. Feel free to share this with your contacts. Shalom.