Articles
Some of the Traits Possessed by a Real Friend
Some of the Traits Possessed by a Real Friend
Tyler King
King David is often remembered for his sin with Bathsheba, his victory against Goliath, or as “the man after God’s own heart.” Few take the time to reflect upon David’s unconditional friendship with Jonathan, though the study proves to be immeasurably beneficial for those seeking true friendships. Friends and companions are often what make this life tolerable and enjoyable. They are a blessing from God that remind us that we are not alone and that we have a constant avenue of consolation. Consider some quick observations from Jonathan and David’s friendship.
1. Jonathan was persistent for David (1 Samuel 18:1-4). The world and its opportunities allot for us to become “royal” in our own minds. True friendship must be willing to give up whatever it is that causes one to think this way, in order to help someone else. Jonathan was Saul’s son which means he was heir to the throne. Rather than seeking to get rid of David who was competition to the throne, he helped his friend. True friends do not allow ego to interfere with their actions. Jonathan’s persistency in his love toward David is incredibly remarkable. “Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David…”
2. Jonathan was consistent for David (1 Samuel 19:1-5). David was growing in success and Saul’s jealousy of him grew more intense by chapter 19; he was ready to end David’s life. It is in this section of scripture that we find Jonathan protecting David from his dad’s wrath. Jonathan even takes it a step further by speaking well on David’s behalf. An authentic friend doesn’t speak badly of someone behind their back, even when it’s the easy way out. Jonathan consistently spoke highly of David, no matter who it was or when it was. Unconditional friendship is that which always seeks the elevation of the other individual. “Jonathan spoke well of David…”
3. Jonathan was present for David (1 Samuel 20:1-4). Finding fair-weather friends is easy. On the contrary, discovering companions that stick around when the storms brew are invaluable blessings. David was being rocked by quite the hurricane of life, yet Jonathan assured David that he was going to be there for him no matter what the circumstance was. At this point in 1 Samuel, there was a hostile relationship between David and Saul. Jonathan was unfortunately caught in the middle of it, but he wasn’t willing to back down. “Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you say, I will do it for you…’”
These traits found in Jonathan are some of the finest traits that a friend can have. More than that, we see these same traits in our Savior. He is our friend (John 15:15). He gave up his royal attire on our behalf (Philippians 2:5-9). He defends us (1 John 2:1-2). He is there, no matter what the cost (Mark 15). By taking on the role of a genuine friend to others, we emulate the actions found by the Son of God. It was Jesus who commanded us to love our neighbor as ourself, and it is on this very basis that Jonathan committed himself to David: “he loved him as his own soul” (1 Sam. 18:1).
