The Importance of Friendship

Friendships in this world are often shallow and transactional, but David and Jonathan’s friendship is a bond built, not on convenience, status or gain, but on shared faith, mutual trust and divine purpose.

“The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:1 KJV) Though heir to Saul’s throne, Jonathan recognised David’s succession anointing. He gave David his robe, armour and sword, in symbolic surrender and support (1 Samuel 18:4). As companions in their callings, their godly alliance was grounded not in rivalry but righteousness, not in competition but covenant.

Jonathan defended David, risking his own life to protect him (1 Samuel 19,20). “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17). True friendship is not defined by proximity or popularity but by costly faithfulness and sacrifice. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Friendship … is born at that moment when one [person] says to another, ‘What! You too? … I thought I was the only one.’” (The Four Loves)

Solomon wrote, “… the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” (Proverbs 27:9 ESV) True friends sharpen us (Proverbs 27:17) and comfort us (Job 2:11–13). Friendship is a sacred bond reflecting God’s own relational nature. Abraham was called “the friend of God” (James 2:23). Moses spoke with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11).

Jesus elevates friendship from human relationship to divine invitation: “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 … Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:13–15) Jesus redefines friendship as self-giving love. His cross is the ultimate expression of friendship. Jesus laid down His life that we might be reconciled to God; no longer enemies, nor strangers, but forever-friends of God.

St. Augustine prayed, “There can be no true friendship unless those who cling to each other are welded together by You, O God.” Every godly friendship reflects this higher friendship with Christ. As Jesus’ disciples we must learn to love lavishly, forgive freely and stand steadfastly together. Friendships mirroring Christ’s heart are grounded in prayer, honesty, humility and grace. The church is a community of friends, united in Christ, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15).

David and Jonathan’s friendship gives a glimpse of what Jesus fulfils perfectly. Their covenant of loyalty foreshadows the New Covenant sealed in Christ’s blood. Treasure your friends, love at all times, rest in the friendship of Jesus - the truest Friend of sinners.

“What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer.”

Revd Michael Hogg