Being a True Friend

He was the kind of friend we all wish for. His name was Jonathan, the son of King Saul and heir apparent. However, Jonathan was a loyal friend to David, the Bethlehem shepherd boy whom God had chosen to succeed Saul as king. Saul was fiercely focused on killing David; Jonathan was fiercely devoted to his friendship with David. Steadfast and single-minded, Jonathan had an unwavering commitment to David.

Don’t we all wish we had a friend like Jonathan? I call such a person a “soul” friend—a kind of friend who gives you room to vent, grieve, sort things through, question, and express emotions without judgment or betrayal. A “Jonathan” remains steadfast, a sturdy and sure support throughout the seasons of life. A “Jonathan” is needed, especially when life is hard.

Being a caregiver to someone with disabilities presents so many challenges, but, regrettably, there are very few “Jonathans” to provide care for the caregiver! Romans 12:10–16 addresses many characteristics of a “Jonathan.” If you know someone living with seemingly unbearable caregiving demands, he or she needs a “Jonathan” more than you can imagine! Read through Paul’s words, then note the qualities identified in the passage. I find thirteen:

1) Honor

2) Zeal

3) Spiritual fervor

4) Serving as unto the Lord

5) Joyfulness

6) Hopefulness

7) Patience

8) Faithfulness

9) Hospitality

10) Unconditional blessing

11) Empathy

12) Harmony

13) Humility

In David’s life, Jonathan was essential. In our lives, “Jonathans” are essential, most especially to those with unending demands and sweeping emotional heartaches. I urge you to seek the Lord today by asking Him to lead you to someone for whom you might become a “Jonathan.” As a result, you will be used by God to give to this person invaluable help and hope.

Posted in Bible Characters, Friendship, Special Needs and tagged .

Colleen Swindoll Thompson holds a bachelor of arts degree in Communication from Trinity International University as well as minors in psychology and education. Colleen serves as the director of Reframing Ministries at Insight for Living Ministries. From the personal challenges of raising a child with disabilities (her son Jonathan), Colleen offers help, hope, and a good dose of humour through speaking, writing, and counselling those affected by disability. Colleen and her husband, Toban, have five children and reside in Frisco, Texas.

కొలీన్ స్విన్డాల్ థాంప్సన్ ట్రినిటీ ఇంటర్నేషనల్ విశ్వవిద్యాలయం నుండి కమ్యూనికేషన్‌లో బ్యాచిలర్ ఆఫ్ ఆర్ట్స్ డిగ్రీతో పాటు మనోవిజ్ఞానశాస్త్రము మరియు ఎడ్యుకేషన్లో అనుబంధ జ్ఞానం కలిగి ఉన్నారు. కొలీన్ ఇన్సైట్ ఫర్ లివింగ్ వద్ద రిఫ్రామింగ్ మినిస్ట్రీస్ డైరెక్టరుగా పనిచేస్తున్నారు. దివ్యాంగుడైన పిల్లవాడిని (ఆమె మూడవ బిడ్డ, యోనాతాను) పెంచే వ్యక్తిగత సవాళ్ళ దగ్గర నుండి, కొలీన్ సహాయం, నిరీక్షణ మరియు వైకల్యంతో బాధపడుతున్నవారికి మాటలతో, వ్రాతలతో మరియు సలహా ఇవ్వడంతో మంచి హాస్యాన్ని అందిస్తుంది. కొలీన్ మరియు ఆమె భర్త, టోబన్ కు ఐదుగురు పిల్లలు ఉన్నారు. వారు టెక్సాస్ లోని ఫ్రిస్కోలో నివసిస్తున్నారు.