Life of David | True Ahavah Friends

Follow Along with the Message

Primary Scripture Passages:  1 Sam 18: 1-4; 1 Sam 20: 14-18, 32-34

1. The dictionary defines a “friend” as a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.  How would you describe a true friend?
2. Read the first four verses of 1 Samuel 18 and discuss some of the words used to describe the friendship of Jonathan and David.
3. In 1 Samuel 20:17 where the passage says Jonathan “loved” David, the Hebrew word used is “Ahavah” which shows up 45 times in the Old Testament and describes the kind of affection and deep emotional bond one shows to another, like we see in and David and Jonathan’s friendship. Jonathan and David’s relationship is portrayed as one of deep mutual affection and loyalty, often described as a model of true friendship in the Hebrew Bible.  What are some ways that Jonathan’s actions toward David reflected an authentic sacrificial “Ahavah” love for David?
4. Aaron made the point that a true “Ahavah” friend is shaped in a time of need.  What were some of the challenging circumstances surrounding the establishment of a friendship covenant between Jonathan and David?
5. Take a look at Proverbs 17:17 and share an example of how someone you consider a friend “loves sacrificially in good times and in bad”.
6. Aaron contrasted worldly friendship (“what can you do for me?”) with Ahavah friendship (“what can I give to my friend?”).  How might our friendship with “the world” be disrupting our ability to establish true “Ahavah” friendships with others?  Read 1 John 2: 15-16 and Matthew 6:24 as you discuss this answer.
7. Aaron’s final point, that Jesus is the friend that sticks with us the closest, is summed up beautifully by Paul in his letter to the Philippian church.  Read Philippians 2: 5-8 and discuss what aspects of the life of Jesus make him the ultimate example of Ahavah love.
8. What do you notice about how Jesus addresses his disciples (and us) in John 15:13-14?  How do his words make you feel and how do they motivate you to love and serve Him as a friend?