3 True Friendship

1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:1-17,9 30-42;

2 Samuel 1:25-27

When I was growing up, I had a friend named David Miller. David and I met in grammar school. In the third grade we were in Cub Scouts together. In the fourth grade we both had the same girlfriend. In sixth and seventh grade we went to camp together. Our relationship continued through high school, then we lost touch with each other, and later I moved to another city.



After many years, I went home for a visit and decided to stop by and see David. He was living in the same house-now, with his wife and children. After the initial shock and joy at seeing each other, he invited me in. As I stepped inside, I felt as though I were stepping back in time. All the childhood memories associated with his house flooded back into my mind. What good friends we'd been!

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In this study we will explore the strong relationship between David and Jonathan. It helps us see and appreciate the qualities of true friendship.

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  1. What qualities do you appreciate most in a friend, and why?


  2. Read I Samuel 18:1-4; 20:1-17. What impresses you about Jonathan's and David's love for each other?
  3. How does their love express itself in their commitment to each other?


  4. What kinds of mutual commitments can strengthen our friendships with those we love?


  5. Read 1 Samuel 20:30-42.1 2 Samuel 1:25 27. How does Jonathan's experience with Saul demonstrate some of the cost of friendship?


  6. In what other ways can friendship be costly?


  7. What do we learn about the level of intimacy between Jonathan and David (I Sam 20:41 42; 2 Sam 1:25-27)?


  8. Do you think it is more difficult for women or for men to achieve that kind of intimacy in friendship? Explain.


  9. What factors enhance or inhibit intimacy in a relationship?


  10. Think of your closest friend. if you could pick one area in which you'd like your friendship to be more like Jonathan's and David's, what would it be?


    What specific steps can you take to achieve that goal?