March 9, 2022 –
The city of Philadelphia is known for its cheesesteaks. It is famous for the Liberty Bell, Rocky, and the “City of Brotherly Love.” The city is uniquely linked to the history of the Revolutionary War. I suspect there isn’t a City of Brotherly Love, not even Philadelphia.
Faithful love, like true friendship, is hard to find today. The Bible says, “Everyone should look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4, HCSB)
Friendship is based on mutual respect, trustworthiness, acceptance of each other as they are, support, and mutual admiration. Friends also show up during tough times and do everything they can to make sure you stay safe. They don’t care who is trying to harm you. For example, two such Biblical loyal friends were David and his friend Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul.
Though Jonathan was in line to be the next king of Israel, his devotion to David kept him from following his father on the throne. Jonathan and his father suffered in the battle of Mount Gilboa.
Upon hearing of Jonathan’s death, David said, “I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were such a friend to me. Your love for me was more wonderful than the love of women.” (2 Samuel 1:26, HCSB
The story of Jonathan shows the true traits of a friend. Jonathan was a man of utmost courage, loyalty, wisdom, and honor. He helped David without reservation or reward. Do these traits characterize you and your friends?
Believers must remember Jesus’ command, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.” (John 13: 34-35, KJV)
Good friends, not the situation, define the friendship.