1 Samuel 20:5-17

Actions speak louder than words. Saul vowed not to harm David. Jonathan believed his father, but his father’s action speaks otherwise. Jonathan could not believe his father’s evil intention against David.

David put up a test. “If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David earnestly asked my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because an annual sacrifice is being made there for his whole clan.’ If he says, ‘Very well,’ then your servant is safe. But if he loses his temper, you can be sure he is determined to harm me.” (1 Samuel 20:6-8)

Jonathan’s actions toward David portray loyalty, kindness and commitment to a friend. He refused to support his father’s evil intention to murder an innocent man. “As for you, show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the Lord. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself! Why hand me over to your father?” “Never!” Jonathan said. “If I had the least inkling that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn’t I tell you?” (1 Samuel 20:7-8)

He promised to help David if the situation was unfavourable. Jonathan knew David would be the next king and was not jealous like his father, Saul. He told David, “May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father.” (1 Samuel 20:13). Jonathan’s actions speak sincerity, truthfulness, integrity, and love. What message are you expressing through your actions?

Jonathan’s actions show someone who fears the Lord. He did not resist God’s intention to make David the next king. He only requests kindness from David and wishes him victory. “But show me unfailing kindness like that of the Lord as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family — not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” (1 Samuel 20:14-15)

Jonathan’s action portrays authenticity. His actions match his words. Jonathan’s and David’s friendship was founded on true love; their attitudes toward each other speak love. “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). Christianity requires authenticity. Let us be mindful of our actions; they speak louder than words