And Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For there is nothing to prevent the Lord from saving by many or by few. – 1 Samuel 14:6, Amplified Bible (AMP)

The Bible clearly tells us that Saul’s son, Jonathan, and David were “soul mates.” Although the term “soul mates” is often used to describe spouses who are in perfect harmony of mind and spirit, the term doesn’t apply to just spouses. It can also apply to friends who share that same harmony of mind and spirit, and Jonathan and David surely did.

At the root of Jonathan and David’s strong friendship was their mutual, complete trust of God. For centuries Christians have lauded David for his faith-based victory over Goliath, yet lost in the praise of David is the tremendous faith of Jonathan.  Jonathan’s faith-based courage caused the Israelites to route a Philistine army numbering 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen and troops like sand on the seashore in multitude. At the time the route started, the Israeli army numbered 600 men. Those 600 men were cowering in caves, rocks, tombs, and whatever else they could find. Jonathan, filled with trust in God, stepped out of his hiding place and waited for God’s sign to attack. Upon receiving the signal, he, along with his armor-bearer, attacked, killing twenty Philistines in short order. As a reward for Jonathan’s faith, God then turned the Philistines against themselves, He gave courage to the Israelites, and He gave victory to His children that day.

Jonathan was a man of great faith in God, and when he saw the same faith in David, they immediately became best friends. Saul could never fellowship with David because Saul did not share David’s faith in God.  Saul valued himself, not God, and that is why he saw David as a threat. Jonathan, however, valued God over self, and that is why he did NOT see David as a threat.  Instead, Jonathan saw David as God’s best for his life and for Israel’s future, and that is why he humbly stepped aside from his claim to the throne. 

There is no sweeter friend than Christ. If our souls are knit with His, our actions will look like those of Jonathan and David. They will be marked by selflessness, boldness for Christ, and concern for others’ prosperity. If our souls are not knit with Christ’s, then our actions will look like those of Saul. They will be marked by selfishness, cowardice in the things of Christ, and concern for greedy gain. 

Take a moment to assess your character.  Would you consider yourself a soul mate of Christ, or no?  Do you get along just fine with Him, or do you feel more comfortable with the Sauls of the world? If you can honestly say that you are a friend of Christ’s, congratulations!  If you cannot, then it is because your heart is knit more with the things of this world than with the things of God, and now is as good a time as any to confess that to God.

Shop hundreds of Christian-themed products at our new store! A portion of each purchase goes to support the work of Today’s Quote From God. To visit the Today’s Quote From God Store, please click here.