Nurture your friend's success.
| posted 1/30/2009
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You usually make friends with people with whom you have a lot in common, but sometimes those common interests can split up friends because of competition.
Jonathan and David had a lot in common; both were fearless warriors. They could have been competitive, but instead they were best friends (18:1). Jonathan loved his friend David and knew the worth of true friendship—something our transient culture doesn't always value over advancement or accomplishments.
Don't let envy rob you of a treasured friendship—particularly if you've known each other a long time. If your friend is successful, she needs you more than ever. Others may feel jealous of her, too, and try to undercut her. Jonathan remained a supportive, caring friend, willing to sacrifice his life for David. Imagine how much this must have meant to David as he was hunted by King Saul. Your successful friend needs someone he can be truly honest with, who keeps confidences, who does not want to grab anything from him, who does not set him on a pedestal. You have an opportunity to be a friend to someone who may value you as others do not. (See also Psalm 73:1-20; Jonah 4; James 3:1-12.)
Good Words to Remember:
The LORD be with you. 1 Samuel 20:13
Today's Challenge:
How do you treat friends who seem "more successful" than you?
Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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