Friendship with a Backbone
Well, hey there, friend, come on up this here ol’ front porch like you’re steppin’ into a mountain cabin where the door swings open wide and the smell of hot cornbread practically grabs you by the collar. Land sakes, I’m so very glad you’re here. If you were any more welcome, the ol’ Banty rooster over yonder that struts around like he owns the place would be hoppin’ up on the railin’ and givin’ you his proudest mornin’ crow. So, settle yourself in, friend, because we’re about to go wanderin’ off into a story that plum shows what real, God-sized kindness looks like.
Second Samuel 9:3 says, “Then King David said, ‘Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?’ And Ziba said to the king, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan that is lame in his feet.’” David had climbed from shepherd fields to the throne, yet he never forgot the friend that stood right by him when life felt wilder than a big ol’ barnyard plum full of ol’ ornery goats. Jonathan had saved David’s life more than once, so when David asked if anyone from Saul’s family remained, he wasn’t huntin’ for revenge. Though they normally killed the former king’s family, David was downright huntin’ for someone to bless.
He found Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son, livin’ like an outcast. Mephibosheth came tremblin’ into the king’s court, expectin’ some real bad judgment comin’ his way. Instead, David poured kindness all over him like warm syrup over fresh-cooked flapjacks. He plum restored his land, welcomed him to his table, and honored Jonathan with loyalty deeper than a riverbed.
Jesus mirrored this same kind of friendship. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). And He added, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7). Then, the Lord gives us another verse to deepen the theme. “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly” (Proverbs 18:24). Loyalty ain’t accidental. It’s downright intentional.
Jonathan stood with David. David stood with Mephibosheth. Jesus stands with us. And He calls us to be standin’ with others, especially when adversity comes stompin’ in like a muddy ol’ arm mule.
Father, make me a friend who shows Your kindness. Help me love with loyalty, patience, and courage. Teach me to honor others the way You’ve honored me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, may the Lord shape your heart today with the steady devotion of a mother hen guardin’ her lil’chicks from a storm. Let His kindness settle into you like sunlight warmin’ a quiet forest clearin’. And may your friendship ripple outward with the cheerful boldness of a lil’ ol’ chipmunk that found a fresh stash of corn. Wherever your boots git to wanderin’, let your loyalty hold you like a sturdy barn beam that never buckles under the weight. Go on now, friend, and be the kind of friend that plum reminds the world what God’s kindness really looks like.
With joy,
Gwen
