Foundations Week 16, Day 2

Scripture Read:  I Samuel 19 - 20
Title: Jonathan and David's Friendship
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "Then Jonathan said to David, 'Whatever you say I will do for you'... And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul."  I Samuel 20:9 & 17

(E) Explain:  David and Saul's son, Jonathan had a friendship that was rock solid.  Jonathan loved David as his own soul.  Both of them had a friendship that was glued together by love, loyalty and brotherhood. 
King Saul, wanted to kill David because of his jealousy and hatred for David and this concerned his son.  Jonathan was put in a peculiar situation because as a son he was to love and respect his father, but as a friend he needed to remain loyal and loving.  David and Jonathan's friendship was so deep that they would stop at nothing to ensure that David was safe from the violent and raging pursuits of King Saul.  

(A) Application:  Good friendships are rare, but hopefully we all have at least one relationship in our lives that model the kind of loyalty and love that Jonathan and David had for one another.  So what is it that you look for in a friendship with strong bonds?  Below are some qualities that I look for in a friendship.
5 qualities of a Great Friend…

1. Honesty - True friends can be honest with one another without the worry of offending or making the other mad.  They can speak hard truths to one another to encourage and edify one another in Chrisian love.
   
2. Trustworthy - A great friend is someone you can trust no matter what wiith whatever.
   
3. Consistency – A true friend is there when you need him/her the most.  They don’t leave you hanging during the hard times.  They are consistently there during the good and bad times.
   
4. Integrity – A friend is someone who has values and morals that line up with your values and are especially line up with scripture.  He/she is someone who is willing to hold you accountable.
   
5. Caring – The last qulaity of a loyal friend is someone who cares about you as a person and has the love and care for you to help you live a life that is upright and God honoring. 

(R) Respond: LORD, I thank you for the friends in my life.  I thank you that my friends care enough for me to speak hard truths when I am off base and who are also there for me during the dark days of my life.  Thank you for sending me multiple Jonathan's into my life.