What did love restore for you this week?  What did love cost you this week?  

 

Think of a time fear of an enemy, a critic, or someone who hurt you changed how you treated your friends. What did it cost you?

 

Read 1 Samuel 18:1–4; 20:12–17, 30–34. What does Jonathan give up in 18:4, and what does he ask for in 20:14–15?  Jonathan was the heir apparent. What does it show about what he believed about God that he yielded to David?  Saul tells Jonathan that as long as David lives, his kingdom will not be established (20:31). Why do you think Jonathan keeps going anyway?

 

 

Read Psalm 133 and John 13:34–35. Our social economy gives friendship only as far as it is returned. How does Jonathan's love for David challenge that?  The oil starts on the head and runs down. What does that suggest about where unity comes from? Unity is not compatibility, agreement, or avoiding conflict. Which of these do we most often mistake for unity?  Jesus says our love for one another shows the world we are his disciples. What might your friendships say about Jesus to the people watching?

 

 

Read John 15:13–15 and Hebrews 13:5–6 Jesus lays down his life for his friends and calls us friends. How does knowing he is that kind of friend change what feels safe to you? Some of us look for safety in people, and others look for safety in distance. Which tends to be you, and what has it cost you? Where has the fear of being hurt again kept you from going first with someone God has put in your life? What is one small, safe step you could take this week, and who could help you follow through?

 

 

Read 2 Samuel 9:1–13 and Luke 22:14–20 How does David treat Mephibosheth, and why does he do it (verses 1 and 7)? Mephibosheth calls himself a dead dog, yet he is seated at the king's table. What does that show about how Christ welcomes us? Jesus shared a table with the people who would betray and deny him, and he gave himself to them too. What does that mean to you? 

 


Pray through what you’ve received from this study. Ask God for the faith to engage or re-engage a friendship with expectation.


Around a TABLE with friends this week ask…

Question: Where is it hardest for you to engage with someone right now, and what has made you cautious?

Passage: 2 Timothy 2:13 CSB, "if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."

Promise: You do not have to protect yourself to be safe. Christ is faithful to you at your worst, and in him you can afford to go first.