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)

It is in the most devastating seasons that you will find who your real friends are. Many are a friend who is merely filling their own need. But find yourself in a place of desperation and Christ will reveal what is true.

I am reminded of the great love between Jonathan and David. Admiration, honor, and mutual loyalty.

It takes a deep love to stand against the error of a father. I would even call it a Christ-like love. The kind where you do the right thing even if it shall cost you dearly.

It was not common for a son to go against a Father, especially if that Father was a King. Blood runs deep. So did cultural hierarchy. There was an expectation of respect at all costs.

However, we see thicker blood in the heart of brethren where one fights for the safety and life of another.

David and Jonathan were best friends, allies, and comrades.

Despite the battle that raged, they looked out for one another, did all that was necessary to safeguard the other, and fought for each other’s freedom even when it was a threat to one’s own life.

The enemy was intent on destroying such a beautiful friendship. But even threats of life did not put their deep love in question one bit.

When David needed Jonathan the most, he was found faithful. A true friend.

It would have been easy to abandon David and rationalize it as the right thing to do. Yet, earthly authority never trumps the authority of God and His heart for humanity. Love and truth never fail.

Sweet is a friend who checks often, fights for connection, and shows up in times of despair wanting nothing more than to love fully well.

May we be more like David and Jonathan.