The Fall ’26 Witness magazine has dropped!
Just the other night, I finished 1 Samuel and found myself thinking about what an amazing friend Jonathan was to David. Jonathan, natural heir to King Saul’s throne, befriended a no-name shepherd boy after his surprising public victory over Goliath. You would think Jonathan would feel threatened and territorial. But instead, he made a covenant with David, giving him his own robe and armor. A picture of full support.
And that was just the beginning. Jonathan later warned David of danger, ran reconnaissance on his behalf, defended him to Saul, hatched a plan for his escape and encouraged him in the wilderness. He was team David all the way.
This is so striking because Jonathan, in his flesh, must have desired kingship — royalty, power and fame. He could have easily stood back and let King Saul kill David, remaining next in line for the throne. He could have taken things into his own hands. But instead, he chose loyalty to God and took the form of servant-friend.
I have had my share of lonely days. Days that I desperately wanted someone to call me and invite me to have coffee on their back porch or run to town to eat a slice of pizza. I’ve wanted someone to laugh and cut up with, and at times, be sad and cry with. I have spent too many minutes asking the Lord, “Why is no one befriending me?” But as I look at Jonathan, I see a better approach to friendship. Instead of “What can someone do for me?,” I see, “What can I do for another?” It’s a picture of love for and commitment to God overflowing in the purposeful pursuit of friendship.
You’ll find guidance for this type of friendship in this issue’s feature, “A Friend in Joy and Sorrow,” by Larry Knowles. You’ll be reminded that it’s our Christian calling to be intentional friends — ones that show up not in our own strength, but in the strength of Christ. And when we do, we will find so much fulfillment and purpose. Our days will no longer be lonely, because there will be too much friending to do.
So, as you thumb through the pages of this issue, ask the Lord, “Who would you have me befriend today?” and as people come to mind, make the call, send the text, extend the invitation and look forward to receiving the blessing that you may have been missing.
