Thursday, December 7, 2017

Friendships and Relationships

"So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, 'May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.' And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself." 1 Samuel 20:16-17

"Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua." 1 Samuel 31:1-2


The love between David and Jonathan is a famous one. It is one of the classic examples of friendship mentioned in the Bible. David would take a sword for Jonathan, Jonathan, the same. Even after Jonathan's death, David searches out Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, to take care of him out of love. Their friendship seems to last even past death.

My question lies, however, in the relationships that do not end in a death. What happens when a friendship is suddenly called to an end? An anonymous saying online says, "The hardest decision in life is deciding whether to walk away or try harder." All relationship seems to be on similar paths. 

"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.' Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." Acts 15:36-41

Even in the case of Paul and Barnabas, they end up parting ways. I am not sure how much interaction they must have had after they went separate ways, but perhaps they always had each other in prayer. 

I guess this question is on my mind because for the last couple of years, I have had many of my friendships and relationships completely ruined. I find it difficult to find the heart to talk to them, let alone pray for them. I have no idea what the others are thinking, but guessing from their lack of conversation, I assume I am nowhere in their minds. 

Should I desperately cling on and engage in constant conversation to salvage the friendships? Or should I simply let go and pray for God to lead each other in peace? 
Everyone seems to get along so easily, start dating and get married. Am I the sensitive one? Or are my friends the ignorant ones? Am I picky in finding relationships? Or is love still far away from me? 

No comments:

Post a Comment