A Heart Like His – The Jonathan Incident

Passage: 1 Samuel 18–20

Covenant Friendship

Jonathan and David’s souls were together in deep friendship.
Jonathan made a with David, showing loyalty and love.
True friendship celebrates God’s in others, even when it costs us something.

Loyalty Tested by Jealousy

Saul became of David’s success and favor.
Jonathan chose to his friend.
Godly friendship firm, speaks , and others.

Communication and Reassurance

Healthy friendship requires clear and reassurance.
We can’t loyalty — we must it.

Living It Out

Celebrate God’s work in others without .
Be the kind of friend who and .
Invest time in Godly that your faith.
is our most faithful friend.

3 Takeaways

Godly Friendship Is Rooted in , Not

Loyalty Requires and

Friendship That Honors God Overcomes and

Barriers to healthy friendships

• Competition: Jealousy interferes with our unique call and distracts from walking in our distinct purpose.
• Unforgiveness: Small wounds, left unhealed, destroy trust and create ongoing bitterness.
• Offence: Making assumptions and staying offended isolates us.  If offence tries to sneak in – forgive quickly and ‘brush it off’. Don’t ever own it.
• Fear of Being Hurt: Past betrayal can make us withdraw and mistrust everyone.  We have to be willing to risk, and with that, we must be intentional in forgiving and keep moving forward in building healthy relationships.
• Busyness: Genuine friendship takes time, attention, and intentionality.

True loyal friendships require grace, forgiveness, and the courage to keep showing up. 

5 Questions

• What does it mean for your friendships to be “knit in spirit” rather than just casual connections?

• How do you typically respond when someone else’s success stirs feelings of jealousy or insecurity? What might God be inviting you to do instead?

• Jonathan celebrated God’s calling in David’s life — even when it cost him personally.
  How can you practice that same kind of selfless celebration of others?

• In what ways do you need to communicate or reaffirm your loyalty and love to the friends God has placed in your life?

• How does your friendship with Jesus, the most faithful friend, shape how you show loyalty, truth, and grace to others?