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CHRIST-LIKE LOVE. One of the best examples of genuine heart-love between two people is the relationship between David and Jonathan. Part of the reason was no doubt the similarity of their character. In 1 Samuel 14, we see a young man who not only displayed immense courage, but also unflappable faith in Jehovah God. God had put it in Jonathan's heart to scale a rocky crag in order to defeat an unknown number of Philistines. He told his armor bearer, "it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few" (v. 6). Indeed, He did work and the two killed about 20 of God's enemies. Most all of us know of David's "carbon-copy" courage and faith in God as he defeated the Philistine giant, Goliath (1 Sam. 17). After the ensuing battle, David, with Goliath's huge head in hand, is brought to King Saul for a meeting. 1 Samuel 18:1 says, "Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." The two were BFFs from that day forward. That's no surprise seeing they both had such courageous faith in God with Whom nothing is impossible! We also learn 3 other truths about their mutual love. (1) Genuine heart-love is sacrificial. Though Jonathan was in line to be the next king, he willingly exalted David to that position by giving him his royal robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt (1 Sam.18:4). (2) Genuine heart-love is willing to be shamed. David knew that King Saul sought his life and Jonathan willingly protected David. However, Saul shamed Jonathan publicly saying, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame" (1 Sam. 20:30). (3) Genuine heart-love also strengthens others in God (see 1 Sam. 23:16-17). Jesus, too, had courageous faith and the willingness to suffer, to be shamed, and to strengthen others in God. So should we!
