The Benefits Of Biblical Friendship

The Benefits of Biblical Friendship

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time." – Proverbs 17:17 (CSB)

Introduction

We live in a world where friendships are often casual, self-serving, or shallow. Yet in Scripture, true friendship is not just encouraged—it’s celebrated as something sacred. From the garden of Eden to the upper room in John’s Gospel, God reveals His desire for partnership and connection—not just between humanity and Himself, but also among His people.

Tonight, we’ll explore what biblical friendship looks like, why it’s so essential, and how it points us to Jesus. We’ll look especially at the relationship between David and Jonathan, with an eye toward how their covenant love points forward to the incarnate love of Christ.

I. God Values Deep, Loyal Friendships

1 Samuel 18:1–4 (CSB)

"When David had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan was bound to David in close friendship, and loved him as much as he loved himself. Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him return to his father’s house. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as much as he loved himself. Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his military tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt."

David and Jonathan’s friendship began with an immediate soul-level bond. Jonathan's actions—stripping himself of royal robe and armor—were a deliberate surrender of status and a recognition of God's anointing on David. This wasn’t ordinary friendship; it was spiritual partnership.

Lesson: Biblical friendship is marked by loyalty, humility, and a shared vision of God's purpose. It's not possessive or competitive. It celebrates and supports what God is doing in the other person's life.

Proverbs 17:17 (CSB)

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time."

KOINONIA: A Theology of Spiritual Friendship

In the New Testament, this kind of deep relational bond is captured in the word koinonia—translated as fellowship, but richer than that. Koinonia means shared life, spiritual partnership, mutual giving, and communion.

Philippians 1:3–5 (CSB):

"I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership (koinonia) in the gospel from the first day until now."

Biblical friendship is gospel-partnership. It’s not built only on personality or interests but on a mutual devotion to Christ and His purposes.

Reflection:

Who are the “Jonathan” relationships in your life—those knit by God’s Spirit for mutual encouragement and kingdom mission?

II. A Biblical Friend Defends and Protects You

1 Samuel 19:1–7 (CSB)

"Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much, so he told him, 'My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; hide and stay out of sight. I’ll go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and talk to him about you. When I see what he says, I’ll tell you.'

Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul. He said to him, 'The king should not sin against his servant David. He hasn’t sinned against you; in fact, his actions have been a great advantage to you. He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?'

Saul listened to Jonathan’s advice and swore an oath: 'As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed.' So Jonathan summoned David and told him all these words. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he served him as he did before."

Jonathan risked his own life and royal privilege to defend David. He spoke up to his father and mediated peace, at least temporarily. This was courageous friendship rooted in righteousness.

Proverbs 27:6 (CSB)

"The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive."

This kind of loyalty is rare—and desperately needed in a world where people are quick to cancel but slow to cover. A biblical friend intercedes for you and protects your reputation even when you're not in the room.

III. Biblical Friendship Is Rooted in Covenant Love

1 Samuel 20:16–17, 42 (CSB)

"Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, 'May the Lord hold David’s enemies accountable.' Jonathan once again swore to David in his love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself... Jonathan then said to David, 'Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the Lord when we said, “The Lord will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.”' Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city."