Those with whom we share close and intimate relationships, our companions in this life, are important to each of us. We share with them the heights of our joy and the depths of our sorrow. With confidence we entrust them with intimate details of our on-going struggles of life. They are permitted to see us when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable moments. We depend upon them to provide comfort and consolation when we fail ourselves or when others fail us. They see us when we are hurt and when we are sorely disappointed in self as we hurt others. Simply put, they see us in the full bloom of imperfect humanity. Accordingly, those whom we choose as companions, ones being given the innermost seat close to our minds and hearts, should surely be selected carefully. The choices we make concerning our companions may invite either rich blessings or abundant trials.
The apostle Paul spoke well when he said, “Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33, ASV). He was wisely guided when he implored us not to be deceived about these matters. Yes, there are some close associations that we establish in this life which are truly reprehensible as measured morally. We need to more wisely determine which associations are “evil” and which are good. Whether we be young or old, the principle stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 15:33 applies to us individually and is an important factor in determining our way in life. I trust that your life’s journey will be sweetened by companions who are worthy of the position they hold in your life. May life’s blessings be multiplied as you are accompanied by good companions who meet the standards of the Lord.
A touching example of good companionship between friends is the intimate friendship between David, who eventually served as king of Israel, and Jonathan, the son of King Saul. This valued relationship was established as Jonathan witnessed his father’s jealousy of David which led King Saul to seek the life of the young David. He subsequently fled as Jonathan courageously warned him of the impending danger to his life.
A review of this friendship reveals a remarkable set of characteristics. The record affirms that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David. Spiritually, they were chained together as they both trusted in God and one another. The great measure of Jonathan’s love for David is evident as he loved David as his own soul, allowing his home to become the home of David, and establishing a covenant between them.
Jonathan extended to David great honor, though Jonathan was the son of the reigning monarch. Jonathan gave to David his personal clothing, thus symbolically surrendering the throne to David. Though he was commanded to kill David, Jonathan never obeyed his father in this matter. He refused to follow such an evil course because of his own personal upstanding character and because of the great delight that he experienced in his relationship with the young David. Rather than obey his wicked father, Jonathan betrayed his father’s plot to kill him. The companionship that existed between David and Jonathan is our example today. May we so choose our friends and companions that we will be inclined to draw ever close to them in a productive, meaningful, and fulfilling relationship which evidences the righteousness of the Father in heaven.
A further review of the friendship between Jonathan and David is noteworthy. Not only did Jonathan betray his father’s plot to kill David, he also encouraged David to hide from his father. Both in spirit and in action Jonathan was faithful to the good companionship existing between him and David, even to the extent that he would undermine King Saul’s wicked plans. This is further evidenced as Jonathan promised to inform David of his private discussions with King Saul about him.
Jonathan not only worked directly with David on his behalf but he also sought to influence his father concerning David. Jonathan courageously spoke well of David to the king, presenting David as innocent and as one who treated King Saul very well. This stands in contrast to Jonathan’s description of his father’s actions as sinful and as one who acted without just cause toward David. Jonathan’s influence was effective in assisting David and King Saul to restore their relationship. Though the good relationship between David and the king would not endure, Jonathan continued to hold David’s trust, as David fled to Jonathan to learn why Saul sought his life. Jonathan’s love for his friend endured. He viewed David graciously, pledging to do anything that David wanted, even to reveal his father’s true intent toward David under penalty of death. He promised to send David away from his father and desired the Lord to be with him. As they parted from one another, they kissed and wept. Their friendship and companionship, marked with trust, loyalty, sacrifice, and commitment, endured through the challenges of life. In response to the death of Jonathan, David said, “I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.” If only all our companionships were so tender and precious.
