Unity and friendship part 2

1Samuel 18:1b
the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

1Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

God has friends for us..... Each one of us will always have friends like Jonathan that God prepared.... Some keys to godly unity and friendship.

1. Chemistry and delight is present.

1Samuel 19:1
Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and toi all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted greatly in David.

Many times in relationship... chemistry and delight is really God ordained.... many have called it a divine connection... where God gives the special chemistry between friends.. where they just enjoy moments to spend together even when there is hardly any important topics...

2. We must protect and speak up for our friends.

1Samuel 19:4
Thus Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to hm, " Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you.

We must learn to speak up for people we love... especially when they are going through ridicle and insult... we must protect them and stand in the gap for them.

3. We must try to fulfill the desires of our friend's heart

1Samuel 20:4
So Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you."

Going the extra mile for our true friend is important in friendships...

4. We must make sure there is a same commitment from that true friend.

1Samuel 20:17
Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

We need to ensure the friend would have the same commitment towards us that we have towards them... for it is commitment that counts at the end... after all the chemistry... it is commitment...

5. We must be there for our true friends in their lowest times.

1Samuel 23:16-18
Then Jonathan, Saul's son arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that." So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house.

6. We must stay loyal to our true friends and appreciate them and remember what they did for us.

2Samuel 1:26
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been very pleasant to me; Your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women.

2Samuel 9:1
Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

2Samuel 9:3-4
Then the king said: "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet." SO the kind said to him, "Where is he?"

2Samuel 9:6-7
Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had prostrated himself. Then David said, "Mephibosheth?" And he answered, "Here is your servant!" So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually."

2Samuel 9:11b
"As for Mephibosheth," said the king, "he shall eat at my table like one of the king's son.

2Samuel 9:13
So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table. And he was lame in both his feet.

So my friends... lets keep our loyalty to those who are true friends to us.

Amen