River Church of the Mall of America Podcast
These are my notes from the Podcast. All scriptures are King James Version.

Growing Bigger Hearts – Being a Great Friend

River Church at the Mall of America

Recorded January 8, 2006

1Sa 18:1-4 KJV

(1) And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

(2) And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

(3) Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

(4) And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

After the victory over Goliath, Saul takes David under his wing, for a while at least. Then the crowds begin to sing David's praises. Saul gets jealous and Saul looks to get rid of him. While this is going on, Jonathan (Saul's son) and David become friends. We need to look at four characteristics of their friendship.

1. Take the initiative – Jonathan takes the initiative in their friendship. All good friendships happen that way. If we want to have a friendship like they had, then we need to take the initiative. Why did Jonathan take the initiative? Did he see the relationship with God that David had? David took on Goliath with God as his aide. Later Jonathan will act like this when he goes to battle. It must be the glue that holds the friendship together. We look for people who are like us.

2. Be generous – In verse 4, Jonathan gives many gifts to David. This was not a homosexual relationship, but more of a covenant relationship, a next in line to the King covenanting with a Shepard boy. He was giving signs of his kingship. The robe, protection for David. The tunic Represents the heart, to know David better. The sword, the most powerful weapon, like the Word, God's power. The Bow, the long range weapon, praying for David. Belt, the practical support David would need. Would we do the same for those that are our friends?

3. Be honest –
   1Sa 19:2 KJV
   (2) But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:
   
   How do you handle things when problems are arising. Jonathan could have been loyal to his father. He was next in line to be king. He kept honest to friend. When correction is necessary, be honest in private.

4. Be loyal – He was loyal to David. Like God covenanted with Abraham, Jonathan made a blood covenant with each other. They were loyal to each other, a concept foreign to our society today.

These characteristics are God's as well. This defines who God is in the world. God did each one of these. God is a fantastic friend to each one of us.