The paranoid King Saul keeps his rival, David, close at hand and doesnot allow him to return to his family. - P26
Fortunately, David has found acherished ally in Jonathan, Saul‘s son, who loves him and binds himselfto him in a covenant of friendship. - P26
In our modern day, friendshipstend to be based on common interests and proximity; very rarely dowe invest in a friend to the extent that we treat them as our own fam-ily. - P26
But this is precisely what sets spiritual friendships apart from theshallow relationships that prevail in our world. - P26
Just as Jesus chose Histwelve disciples, first and foremost, to "be with him" (Mark 3:14), wetoo should join ourselves with other believers in deep bonds of genuineand lasting friendship. - P26
When our hearts are set upon the kingdom of God, the Lord will causeour endeavors to thrive and many people to be blessed by our work. - P26
Even though we might not experience the level of renown that Daviddid, success in God‘s eyes means being faithful to what He has called usto do. - P26
However, this will likely attract the disdain of those who judgeus according to the world‘s standards. - P26
The sweet-smelling fragrance ofChrist in you may become a stench to the people around you who onlypursue their own interests. - P26
We must therefore remember that we arecalled to remain faithful to the Lord even when the world rejects us. - P26
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