The Friendship Effect pt 1 - Dancing with Myself

Title of my message today is:  Dancing with Myself.   (1 Samuel 18:1-4) “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.  From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”   There is power in the…we There is defeat in the…me Four qualities of a friend.   1. A friend is willing to sacrifice.   (John 15:13) “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” 2. A friend is a loyal defense.   (1 Samuel 20:11) "Come outside," said Jonathan. "Let's go to the field." When the two of them were out in the field, Jonathan said, "As God, the God of Israel, is my witness, by this time tomorrow I'll get it out of my father how he feels about you. Then I'll let you know what I learn. May God do his worst to me if I let you down! If my father still intends to kill you, I'll tell you and get you out of here in one piece. And God be with you as he's been with my father! If I make it through this alive, continue to be my covenant friend. And if I die, keep the covenant friendship with my family—forever. And when God finally rids the earth of David's enemies, stay loyal to Jonathan!" Jonathan repeated his pledge of love and friendship for David. He loved David more than his own soul!” 3. A friend gives you freedom to be yourself. (Proverbs 18:24) (NKJV) “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” 4. A friend is a source of strength and encouragement   (Proverbs 25:13) “Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!”