Sunday's Lesson - The High Office of Friendship

1 Samuel 18:1describes the friendship between Jonathan and David. It says that "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself" (NASB). What characteristics of friendship are highlighted in Exodus 33:11; Job 16:20, 21; Proverbs 17:17; 27:9; Ecclesiastes 4:10; and John 15:13–15?

Exodus 33:11

This passage gives us a description of the relationship that Moses and God had. In this relationship Moses spoke with God face to face. This shows us that one characteristic of friendships is that friends talk to each other and they have intimate communication.

Job 16:20, 21

In this text we see that Job's friends were actually the ones who were scoffing him. In another instance we see that friends can ask each other for things that they need. Friends are comfortable with requesting things of each other.

Proverbs 17:17; 27:9

In this passage of proverbs we see that friends love each other and also that friends give counsel to each other. Friends are there for each other in the good times and the bad times and they offer support and comfort for each other.

Ecclesiastes 4:10;

Friends are there to help each other in difficult times. If a friend is discouraged or feeling weak the friend that is strong is there to strengthen them and encourage the other. When you do not have a friend around when you are weak it may be difficult for you.

John 15:13–15

Jesus shows us the greatest example of a friend. A friend reveals their love by laying down their life for that friend. The bottom line is that friends make sacrifices for each other.

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? What lessons have you learned? What character traits do you need to change in you in order to be a better friend?

If we have not been betrayed by a friend I believe that one time or another we have been hurt but someone that we love. In the times like this we must learn how to forgive as Jesus forgave so that we will not carry that hurt into all our relationships.

I believe that the key of friendship is the lesson Jesus taught in the golden rule. We should do to others what we would want them to do to us. Also I believe another key to friendship is authentic communication. We must learn to tell the truth to the ones we love, this helps build trust and security in the relationship. It is a process but day by day we can improve our friendships.

Prayer: Father thank you for the example of Jesus of how we are to treat each other. Help us to be the friend that we would want to have in someone else. Thank you for being our friend. We thank you in Jesus name amen.