Sacred KinshipPart Four - Friendship

Sacred Kinship

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The Root of Friendship:Kinship

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David,

and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him

return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved

him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David,

along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. (1 Samuel 18:1-4)

The Voice of Friendship:Uplifting

Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king do wrong to

his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly.

He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all

Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent

man like David by killing him for no reason?" Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath:

"As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death." (1 Samuel 19:4-6)

The Poison of Friendship:Gossip

A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

(Proverbs 16:28)

He who covers over an offense promotes love,

but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

(Proverbs 17:9)

The Commitment of Friendship: Forever

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.'" 1 Samuel 20:42

The Commitment of Friendship: Forever

When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, "Mephibosheth!"

"Your servant," he replied."Don't be afraid," David said to him,

"for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all

the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."

(2 Samuel 9:6-7)

The Health of Friendship:Open Love

Better is open rebuke than hidden love.Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

but an enemy multiplies kisses.(Proverbs 27:5-7)

Sacred KinshipPart Four - Friendship