Loves Others As Himself

Loves Others As Himself

A HERO’S TALE

The story of Jonathan and David is one of the greatest tales of friendship in the Bible.

When the Bible describes their bond, it uses an interesting phrase. It says Jonathan “loved [David] as he loved himself” (1 Samuel 18:3). In fact, 1 Samuel uses this phrase three different times to describe Jonathan’s affection for his best friend. In other words, Jonathan would’ve done anything for David.

We see Jonathan’s love for his friend in many ways in 1 Samuel:

• Jonathan shared his belongings with David and honored him (see 18:4).
• He spoke kindly about David to his father, King Saul, and tried to protect David from Saul’s jealous anger (see 19:4-5).
• He was willing to do anything for David (see 20:4).
• He provided spiritual encouragement to David in a time of great need (see 23:15-18).
• He humbly acknowledged that David would be the next king of Israel instead of him (see 23:17).
• He risked his own life at least twice for David (see 20:33; 23:15-18).

Jonathan truly loved David as himself!

DECODING THE MESSAGE

We are very good at loving ourselves, aren’t we? From the moment we wake up each morning, we are concerned about ourselves —what we’ll eat, how we look, what we’ll do that day, etc. We are usually our own favorite subject!

But the Bible calls us to something greater than self-love. When we focus only on ourselves, that’s sinful pride and selfishness. When we focus on others, that’s Christlike love. We are to devote as much care and attention to others as we do to ourselves.

Following God is all about humility —or not thinking too highly of ourselves. God calls us to put him first, others second, and ourselves a distant third, just like today’s verse says.

A true hero for God isn’t a me-first person; a hero is an others-first person!

BATTLE PLAN

Make a list of the things you like best. It can be gifts or activities or compliments you enjoy. Now give those things to a friend or sibling. It’s a great way to love that person as yourself!