Real Friendship

Eagle's Landing Sermons

What does real, biblical friendship look like? “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” — 1 Samuel 18:1 “And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.” — 1 Samuel 18:2-5 “As they were coming home when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’” — 1 Samuel 18:6-7 “And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?’ And Saul eyed David from that day on.” — 1 Samuel 18:8-9 “Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, “The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.” — 1 Samuel 20:42 1. Biblical friendship requires humility. Humility is the willingness to decrease so that others can increase. 2. Biblical friendship requires commitment. A real friend thinks about your safety and flourishing more than they think about their comfort. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” — Proverbs 27:6 3. Biblical friendship requires intentionality. Intentionality includes vulnerability. 4. Biblical friendship is inspired by Jesus. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” — 1 Peter 2:23–24