Discussion Questions:

1. To start the night, discuss some of the most meaningful friendships that you’ve had in your lifetime outside of your family. What made those friendships so meaningful? What still stands out to you from those friendships?

2. Tonight we are going to look at Jonathan and David’s friendship in scripture. Before we begin, discuss some of the things you already know about Jonathan. What are some things that you know about David? What do you know about their friendship?

3. Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4. What does this passage tell us about meaningful friendship?

- From the passage, what do you believe was the common ground that Jonathan and David had that made their friendship so close?

- Depending on the translation of scripture that you read, the passage describes them as being “one in the spirit” or “knitted at the soul” with one another. Discuss as a group what it looks like to have a friendship that is one in the spirit or knitted at the soul.

- The bible describes Jonathan’s love for David on the same level as he loved himself. Do you have any friendships in your life that you would describe this way? Discuss what kind of depth of friendship does it take to get to this point with another person?

- From verse 4, What is the significance of Jonathan removing his weapons before David? Why is this important and what does it say about Jonathan’s submission to the Lord? What does it say about the friendship that he had with David?

4. Read 1 Samuel 20:12-17 together. What does this passage tell us about meaningful friendship?

- From this passage, what do you see about the kind of friend that Jonathan was toward David?

- How does Jonathan and David’s friendship challenge the friend that you’re being toward other people?

- Jonathan asks in this passage to be shown unfailing kindness like the kindness that the Lord shows. Talk about some of the ways that the Lord has shown you kindness in your own life. How are you showing the kindness of the Lord to other people (especially in friendships)?

5. So much of Jonathan and David’s friendship came from mutual submission to the Lord before anything else. How are you currently submitted to the Lord in your own life on a daily basis? If your friendships were dependent on how you spent time with Jesus, what would your friendships look like and how could they get better?

6. What are your takeaways from the friendship of Jonathan and David? In your life right now, who is your Jonathan or David? Who is the friend that you’re so close with that you’re one and your souls are knitted?

End the night by praying together.

REMINDER: Friendsgiving is next week, 7p at Rachel's (610 Ventura Dr. Youngstown, OH). Invite your friends and bring a dish to share.