“Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.[b]” 1 Samuel 20.24
To grasp the full meaning of this story, it’s important to read the entire passage. I encourage you to pause for a moment and read 1 Samuel 20 in its entirety.
This is a story we know well—Jonathan and David, best friends and blood brothers. Yet, Saul, consumed by jealousy over David’s success, seeks to kill him. Despite this, Jonathan is willing to forgo his own claim to the throne because he knows David is the Lord’s anointed. The story reaches its climax with the famous scene where Jonathan shoots arrows in the field as a secret signal for David to flee. The two weep together, knowing that the king is intent on taking David’s life and that their friendship must come to an end.
That’s a brief summary of a much longer story! But it reveals a friendship deeply rooted in the love of the Lord. Such a profound bond can only exist when God is at its center. In verses 16–17, Jonathan makes a covenant with David before the Lord:
“May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.
A true friend loves others as he loves himself. Jonathan was willing to sacrifice everything so that David could become king. Their friendship is a beautiful example of godly companionship—one that reflects not only how we can relate to others but also the kind of relationship we can have with the Lord.
What does it mean to love someone as you love yourself? Jesus demonstrated this perfectly. Yet much of the world chooses hate over love. The enemy fuels anger and division, but the Lord fills those who seek to love, serve, and show kindness. Loving others as yourself is perhaps the most Christ-like quality one can attain.
And yet, it isn’t always easy. When we are weary, frustrated, or overwhelmed by life, we tend to focus on ourselves and our own needs. But to love as Christ loved means shifting our focus outward—seeking to serve others and becoming all that He has called us to be.
Will you strive to be a selfless friend today? Will you choose to love as Jonathan loved David, as Jesus loves us?
“O Lord God, you are good. I am in need of Your strength and power. Fill me with Your light and help me become all You have called and created me to be. Amen.”. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen