Jonathan is one of the unsung heroes of the Bible, but one of the most admired by those who have read his story. He comes across as one of the best of men. He was exceptionally brave (read 1Sm 14:1-15), humble, wise, self-effacing, God-glorifying, winsome, loyal, strong and true; a man of faith who inspired others to serve God wholeheartedly. To the very end, he was able to remain loyal to both his father Saul and to his friend David, who his father was trying to kill.

Jonathan's deep and sworn friendship with David has become legendary. It was marked by mutual love and submission, deep respect, kindness, trust, loyalty, devotion, deference, costly gifts, always speaking well of each other, always thinking the best of each other, and helping one another to find strength in God. How do our close friendships compare to this; particularly those between Christian husbands and wives, amongst the members our own families and with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Our relationship with Jesus is one of friendship; and the Father loves to be called our friend.

"Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and … made a covenant with him because he loved him as himself. He took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt."

What spoils friendships? Unrealistic expectations, insisting on our rights, selfishness and putting ourselves first, being possessive and controlling, taking each other for granted, believing friendship involves indebtedness, being critical, judgemental and flagging up one another's faults, a lack of transparency, neglect, and keeping each other in the dark while harbouring resentments.

After Jonathan's death, David wrote a lament for him; giving the order that the men of Judah remember to sing it. "Saul and Jonathan – in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted … I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women." (I understand this to me mean "You loved me more than my wives love me.")

Sadly Jonathan had a dream that was never fulfilled. He had said to David: "The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants for ever". He saw himself as David's right-hand man in an on-going union of friendship and devotion, but he died fighting loyally alongside his father before David was crowned king.