Who would not want a true friend in life? Friendships are among the most precious gifts we can receive. As the Bible reminds us, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Scripture gives us many examples of such friendship. One of the most moving is the bond between David and Jonathan. Though Jonathan stood in the line of succession to King Saul, he willingly stepped aside for his friend—even placing his own life at risk (1 Samuel 19).

David also knew the loyalty of three mighty men who risked everything for him. When he longed for water from the well of Bethlehem while the Philistines held the city, these men broke through enemy lines, drew the water, and brought it back. David refused to drink it, pouring it out before the Lord, saying, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” (2 Samuel 23:16-17).

These friendships point beyond themselves to the perfect friendship of Christ. His loyalty does not rest on anything good in us or on any power we have to repay Him. It transcends all our imperfections. When Jesus spoke of Lazarus, He simply said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up” (John 11:11). There was no calculation of return—only love.

Who would not long for such a friend—one whose loyalty is free of material expectation? This is the friendship Jesus offers: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).