Читать книгу Boyd's Commentary - R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation - Страница 49

What was Jonathan’s motive for his friendship with David?

Further evidence of Jonathan’s devotion to his friendship with David is implied when one considers what he gave up to spare David’s life. Being the rightful heir to the throne of Israel, Jonathan had more reason than his father to get rid of David as he was a more imminent threat to his future claim to the throne. Whether it was his sincere love for David or that deep down he knew God had anointed David as the next king, Jonathan’s motivation to be a true friend to David was pure. He had no ulterior motives for befriending David outside of wanting to see David do well in life. Real friends are more concerned about what’s best for you even at the expense, at times, of their own well-being. The love of a friend can and should be sacrificial. Jesus taught that a man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friend (John 15:13).

This story should be able to give us some insight to our own relationships. Jonathan was loyal to David not only when it was easy to do so but also when it was to his own detriment. In our friendships, we should evaluate whether or not we have ulterior motives when engaging others. Furthermore, we should take others at their words and actions. It would have been easy for David to dismiss Jonathan simply because he was Saul’s son. But David trusted Jonathan because through his words and actions, Jonathan proved himself trustworthy. The question becomes, what is our friendship worth?

Lastly, we should delight in our friends. Friendship is essential to human flourishing and necessary for the difficult journey of life. The depth of our friendships rests solely on our ability not just to be nice, but to be people whom our friends can count on and who will hold their darkest secrets. We are to love them and they us. The secret to real friendship is to love God first as a priority and then to love one another. It is the more excellent way (1 Cor. 13).

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