“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Proverbs 17:17

The open field beyond the castle stretches before him, quiet and still, yet Jonathan’s mind races. Gripping his bow, he draws the string back, steadying his aim. He sends the arrow soaring past the stone marker where his friend David hides.

The message of the arrow is clear: Run! it is not safe to return.

Minutes later, Jonathan and David meet in the clearing, their faces shadowed with grief. The danger is inescapable. King Saul, Jonathan’s father, has vowed to kill David. Yet here stands Jonathan, risking everything to save his closest friend.

Jonathan pulls off his cloak and hands it to David, followed by his weapons.

“Go in peace,” he whispers, despite the lump in his throat.

David’s eyes glisten with unshed tears as he grips Jonathan’s arm one last time before vanishing into the wilderness.

Friendship, at its best, looks a lot like Jonathan and David’s. As Israel’s prince, Jonathan had every reason to cling to his position and power, yet here he chooses David’s good above personal gain. He chose to stand in the gap to save David’s life though it would cost him greatly.

What might it look like to love like that today? Perhaps it means offering encouragement when someone feels lost or stepping aside to let someone else shine. When you lift others above yourself, you reflect a love that transforms hearts and points to something far greater.