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(((((Goodnight, and God Bless)))))
Friendship is one of lifes greatest gifts. True friends seek a special kind of good for their friends: the highest good, which is that they might know God and love Him with all of their heart, soul, and mind. German pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, The aim of friendship is exclusively determined by what Gods will is for the other person.
Jonathan, Davids friend, is a sterling example of true friendship. David was in exile, hiding in the Desert of Ziph, when he learned that Saul had come out to seek his life (1 Sam. 23:15). Jonathan went to Horesh to find David. The significance of this scene lies in Jonathans intent: He helped David find strength in God or, as the text puts it, he strengthened his hand [grip] in God (v.16).
That is the essence of Christian friendship. Beyond common interests, beyond affection, beyond wit and laughter is the ultimate aim of sowing in others the words of eternal life, leaving them with reminders of Gods wisdom, refreshing their spirit with words of His love, and strengthening their grip on God.
Pray for your friends and ask God to give you a word in season to help them find renewed strength in our God and His Word.
Read: 1 Samuel 23:14-18