A true friend is loyal, generous, accepting, encouraging, honest with you, and is willing to sacrifice for you. True friends are hard to find, but they are precious when you have one. Many years ago, the young warrior, David, found a friend in the son of the ruling King Saul. The writer of 1 Samuel chapters 18 and 19, describes their relationship soon after young David killed the giant Goliath. After talking with Saul, David met Jonathan, the king’s son. “There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.” It seems Jonathan gave David these kingly gifts to symbolize that after killing Goliath. Jonathan believed David was more worthy of them than he was. Friends are valuable, especially those that stick as close as brothers and sisters. We read in Proverbs 18:24, “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Followers of Christ know that when all other relationships fail, we have in our Lord a faithful friend and brother.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
