Friendship that blesses family
When we look at David and Jonathan, it’s incredible that these two had so connected with each other, that they knew that death itself would not destroy their loyalty. Both the families of both men benefited from the friendship that they had forged through the fires of pressure and trial. The most obvious and touching example of this is David’s attitude toward Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son.
I believe that our friendships can bless our families. Those of us who are parents can model tenacious, long term relationships, showing our children the value of building robust relationships. We can demonstrate how to handle tension and conflict. Our children can benefit from the laughter and support that come from outside of the immediate family circle. We can pray for each others families in the toughest seasons, and sometimes serve as advisors and counsellors when parents are unable to meet that role, perhaps because they are too close to a situation. Far from taking anything away from the family, wholesome friendship will strengthen it. To know that I have friends who have prayed for my children and my marriage for years is wonderful; and to see my children treat my friends as wise ‘aunts and uncles’ is great too - an extra resource for them.