FRIEND
Reciprocal and selfless love is one of the characteristics of friendship that in the Bible is described to us in some truly immortal pages, but that, given the supernatural character that inspires many of the friendships in Scripture, cannot be understood only in its psychological aspect (1 Sam. 18 ff.).
Among the pagans, the friend was loved as “half of my soul”, in the words of Horace (“animae dimidium meae”); but “Jonathan’s soul was attached to David’s, and Jonathan loved him as himself…; “He loved him as his soul, as his own life” (1 Sam. 20:17).
For this tender and touching friendship, young David risks everything and saves his friend’s life in front of his own father, Saul, who feels neglected and jealous (1 Sam. 20:30). This friendship is sealed with a pact and oath of renewed help (1 Sam. 20).
The book of Proverbs and wisdom literature give advice on how to get, select and treat friends: choose the friend among many, test him before entrusting yourself to him, because nothing is worth as much as a good friend, who is “the other you”; Help him as much as you can and never betray him, because betrayal (be it helplessness, gossip or the revelation of secrets) is not compatible with true friendship.
Old friend, old wine, joy and grace that God grants to those who love him: “Happy is he who finds a true friend.” Friendship between men and God is possible through Jesus Christ (Prov. 13:20; Jn. 3:16; 11:3, 11; Mt. 11:19; Lk. 12:4).