Day 064 of 90 · Relationships

I Can Treat Others Well

12–15 minutes

Center · Stillness

Settle in

Put the phone down. Take one slow breath, and say: “God, I am here. Speak, I am listening.”

Read · The passage

Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
1 Samuel 18:3-4, BSB

Learn · Reflection

Reflection

Healthy friendships are built with respect, loyalty and kindness. God wants to teach you to treat others with empathy and genuine care. Very often small gestures, like listening, backing someone up or simply being there, strengthen a person's heart deeply and make relationships feel safer.

David and Jonathan built a very special friendship. Even though they came from different backgrounds and were going through hard times, they learned to care for each other, supporting one another with loyalty and respect.

Jonathan knew that David would face complicated situations, and even so he decided to stay by his side and protect him. He did not act out of jealousy, pride or competition.

Their friendship was marked by honesty, support and genuine love.

Sometimes we think relationships are built only by spending time together or sharing fun moments. But the healthiest friendships also know how to care for another person's heart.

Treating someone well includes listening, respecting, encouraging and acting with kindness, even when nothing obliges you to do it.

God also wants to teach us to build relationships marked by empathy, loyalty and genuine care.

People never forget how they were treated and how they were made to feel. That is why a healthy friendship can become a very valuable gift to the heart.

Talk · Conversation

Talk about it

Jonathan chose to protect David instead of competing with him. Where have you been competing with someone you could be cheering for?

Thank · Gratitude

Give thanks

Today I thank God for someone who stood by me without getting anything out of it.

Ask · Prayer

Pray together

God, take jealousy and pride out of my friendships. Teach me to be loyal the way Jonathan was to David.

Begin · Application

Carry it into the day

Today do one concrete thing for a friend with nothing in return: lend something, help out, or speak up for that friend when they are not around.

Scripture quoted from the Berean Standard Bible. Public domain (CC0)