Brotherly Love

BIBLE STORY: 

After David kills Goliath (1 Samuel 17) Jonathan and David become best friends. The Bible says their souls were bound to one another; it was the perfect bromance. They loved each other so much that Jonathan even took the armor off his back, so David could continue fighting Philistinian armies. Jonathan knew David continuing in battle would lead to fulfilling his destiny as King.  However Jonathan's father, King Saul was jealous of David and declared him an ultimate foe. He tried to "pin David against the wall" with his spear twice but David escaped. King Saul's rage against David worsened as David's status grew, so he sent his minions to kill David in his sleep. Jonathan continued to be a ride or die for David by warning him about when his dad would try to kill him again. Ultimately Jonathan saved David's life numerous times and when he died David mourned terribly saying "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women." 

MY TAKEAWAY: 

The love between friends is a beautiful, incomparable love. The bible says "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). It's a blessing to have friends who love us enough to steer us out of danger when they see it coming our way. Jonathan went against his own father the king to protect his friend. We're all working toward fulfilling our purpose and need someone we can rely on.

This passage made me reflect on my own friendships. Am I "bound" to all the people I call "friend"? No, but there are a select few who protect me like a great wall from making the wrong decisions. I'm thankful for them. True friends are your Soulmates. They see the glory inside of you and want to see you win. They counsel you, help you, celebrate with you, and even mourn with you - no questions asked.

It reminds me of the video that surfaced of Atlanta Braves' players Ozzie Albies comforting his teammate Ronald Acuna Jr. after news of his mom passing away by stroking his head. Many groups of people saw this and questioned their sexuality, but what they dont know is that Ozzie is just a Jonathan - a good friend.

Are you the Jonathan in your crew? How do you show your friends you love them unconditionally?

Thumbnail photo by @Collindevonevents