Covenant Friendships That Preserve Destiny Series

COVENANT FRIENDSHIPS THAT PRESERVE DESTINY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 20:1-42

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, John 15:13-15, Ruth 1:16-17, 2 Samuel 9:1-7

INTRODUCTION:

In a world where relationships are often built on convenience, personal gain, or fleeting emotions, covenant friendships stand as divine gifts that protect, shape, and preserve destiny. True friendship goes beyond mutual interests or shared backgrounds—it is forged in trust, loyalty, and sacrificial love. The bond between David and Jonathan is one of the most profound examples of covenant friendship in the entire Bible.

Despite being the son of King Saul and the heir to the throne, Jonathan recognised God’s hand upon David. Instead of viewing him as a rival, Jonathan honoured God’s plan and became a loyal friend and protector to David. Their relationship was not only sincere—it was prophetic. It aligned with God’s purpose and helped preserve David's life during one of his most dangerous seasons.

This study explores how covenant friendships are ordained by God, fuelled by loyalty, tested in adversity, and preserved through sacrifice. When divine connection meets genuine commitment, destinies are preserved, and God’s purpose is fulfilled.

1. TRUE FRIENDSHIP IS ROOTED IN LOYALTY AND COVENANT

Covenant friendship is not superficial—it is grounded in a sacred commitment.

a) Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul (1 Samuel 18:1-3)

Their bond was deep, genuine, and spiritual—not political or self-serving.

b) Loyalty goes beyond words—it requires action and enduring commitment (1 Samuel 20:4)

Jonathan was willing to support and protect David, even at great personal cost.

c) Covenant friendships reflect God’s faithfulness in human relationships

They are divinely orchestrated to strengthen, shield, and preserve destiny.

d) A loyal friend stands with you when others walk away

Jonathan stood with David even when his father, Saul, opposed him.

Biblical Example: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi ("Your people shall be my people") preserved the Messianic line (Ruth 1:16-17).

2. COVENANT FRIENDS RECOGNISE AND SUBMIT TO GOD’S PURPOSE

Godly friendships are not driven by competition but by mutual honour for divine assignments.

a) Jonathan acknowledged David’s divine destiny to become king (1 Samuel 23:17)

Rather than resisting God’s plan, Jonathan embraced it and supported David.

b) True friends want God’s will for your life, even if it costs them position

Jonathan gave up the throne because he discerned God's favour upon David.

c) Covenant friends do not compete; they complement each other’s callings

They find joy in your success and peace in your elevation.

d) Honour is a key mark of spiritual friendship

Jonathan’s honour for David was rooted in reverence for God’s plan.

Biblical Example: John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30), recognising Jesus' greater calling.

3. COVENANT FRIENDSHIPS STAND FIRM IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY

The strength of true friendship is tested in seasons of danger, loss, and pain.

a) Jonathan risked his life to protect David from Saul’s wrath (1 Samuel 20:30–33)

He defended David even when it brought conflict with his own father.

b) When others seek your downfall, covenant friends cover and shield you

Jonathan devised a signal to help David escape danger (1 Samuel 20:35-42).

c) God places such friends in our lives to help us navigate through spiritual warfare

They are not just companions—they are destiny helpers.

d) Adversity exposes the difference between companions and covenant friends

Many walk with you in peace; few stay with you in storms.

Biblical Example: Elijah stood by Elisha in his transition, and Elisha refused to leave until the end (2 Kings 2:2-6).

4. SACRIFICE IS THE PROOF OF GENUINE FRIENDSHIP

True friends lay down personal interest for the sake of divine purpose.

a) Jonathan willingly gave David his robe, sword, and armour (1 Samuel 18:4)

These were symbolic of royalty, signifying that he yielded his future to God’s choice.

b) Sacrificial friendship honours God above self-preservation

Jonathan knew that David’s life was more important than his inheritance.

c) True friends will bless what God is doing in your life, even when it costs them

They do not sabotage or withhold—rather, they invest in your future.

d) Love that sacrifices is the foundation of covenant relationship

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Biblical Example: Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, calling us friends (John 15:14-15).

5. COVENANT FRIENDSHIPS LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY

The impact of true friendship extends beyond one generation.

a) David honoured his covenant with Jonathan by showing kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-7)

Even after Jonathan's death, David remembered and acted upon their covenant.

b) Covenant friendships build bridges for future blessings

Jonathan’s loyalty preserved a future for his son, despite Saul’s destruction.

c) God remembers every covenant made in love and righteousness