The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of BCNN1. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s).
We all make decisions, weekly or even daily, that mold us into people who are either well suited for deep, spiritually satisfying relationships…or not.
The degree of our own spiritual and emotional health has incredible impact on our friendships or marriage. Our willingness to address sin issues in our own personalities and unhelpful habits we’ve developed is almost always directly proportional to our success in relationships.
Obviously, there’s a degree of responsibility on the other side — you can’t make a partnership work with someone who’s unwilling to put in the effort on the other end —but by and large, the old adage holds truth: Be a good friend, and you will find good friends. Strive for spiritual maturity, and you will find spiritually mature people who will care for you and entrust their own care to you.
Don’t get me wrong. Good mentors, friends and spouses are always a gift from God. We have our part to play, though, in becoming people who can be trusted with these gifts. It’s a pattern that’s found more than once in the Bible too.
“After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David…. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself” (1 Samuel 18:1,3 NLT). This friendship would save David’s life more than once as Saul tried to kill him; but more importantly, Jonathan played a key role in encouraging David to trust God’s promises.
“One day near Horesh, David received the news that Saul was on the way to Ziph to search for him and kill him. Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ Jonathan reassured him. ‘My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware’” (1 Samuel 23:15-18).
This is an astonishing moment of friendship. Jonathan believes in God’s word to David so strongly that he’s taken a stand against his own family who are fighting this promise and does everything he can to see it come true.
I wonder if Saul ever looked at his son and David with a kind of wistfulness or wounded envy.
He was warped after years of entertaining jealousy, nurturing fear and ignoring God, and yet he had known the Holy Spirit’s power. He knew what it was like to see the Lord of heavenly hosts go ahead of him. He had prophesied in the grip of the Spirit. He had known true glory.
After all that, he chose his own security, ease and public image. He chose these things over and over, and each time he lost the one relationship that matters most and, as a result, every other personal connection in his life suffered.
SOURCE: Christian Post, Rachel Chimits
All Content & Images are provided by the acknowledged source