Walnut Grove

Advent Message 03: Candle of Joy

Sermon Date: 12/14/2025
Bible Verses:
Psalm 98
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-
Introduction: The Sound of Joy in a Weary World
We come today to the third Sunday of Advent—the Sunday of Joy. The pink candle, often called the Shepherds’ Candle, reminds us that the news of Christ’s coming brings joy so deep that it shakes the foundations of the world.
And what better hymn to drive that home than “Joy to the World”?
What most people don’t realize is that Isaac Watts wasn't writing about the baby in the manger—he was writing about the King on the throne. This hymn is not just about Christmas past; it’s about the coming kingdom. It’s rooted in Psalm 98, which opens like this:
“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things…” (Psalm 98:1)
It’s a psalm of triumphant joy—not naive happiness, but world-shaking, sin-conquering joy grounded in God’s promise and power.
Let’s break down that kind of Advent joy in three parts.
Joy Declared: The King Has Come, The King Will Come Again
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”
Watts was pointing to the fulfillment of Psalm 98, which celebrates a God who:
Acts with power (v. 1)
Reveals righteousness (v. 2)
Remembers His love and faithfulness (v. 3)
Advent joy doesn’t start with us—it starts with God. The Lord has come. He entered our world not to observe suffering, but to overcome it—from Bethlehem to the cross to the empty tomb.
Every time we sing “Joy to the world,” we’re not just remembering Christmas—we’re rehearsing the moment when Jesus returns as King and joy floods everything that’s been broken.
✦ Advent joy isn’t rooted in what we feel—it’s rooted in who reigns.
Joy Received: Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
Joy is offered—but it must be received.
The line we sing so casually—"Let every heart prepare Him room"—is a direct challenge. It asks:Have you made room in your life for the King?
Joy doesn’t come from a perfect December. It doesn't come from the right gifts, the right balance in the bank, or even the right relationships. Joy comes from surrendering the throne of your life to the One who already rules heaven and earth.
Psalm 98 repeats the word “all” and “every”—indicating the reach of God’s joy:
“All the ends of the earth have seen…” (v. 3)
“Let the sea resound, and everything in it…” (v. 7)
“Let the rivers clap their hands…” (v. 8)
If seas and rivers and mountains can rejoice—how much more should the people He came to save?
✦ Joy is not automatic—it’s the echo of a heart where Jesus is welcome.
Joy Restored: Far as the Curse Is Found
Why is this hymn connected to Genesis 3? Because Jesus didn’t just come to save souls—He came to undo the curse.Every sorrow, every brokenness, every ache in your bones comes from a world still shadowed by sin. But Watts reminds us:
“He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found.”
Psalm 98 ends with anticipation:
“…for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 98:9)
That’s not bad news—that’s good news. Jesus doesn’t just bring joy—He restores justice. He doesn’t just save hearts—He heals creation. He doesn’t just reign someday—He reigns today.
In Jesus, joy is not fragile—it’s unstoppable. It’s coming with Him when He returns, and it’s breaking into the world now through every believer who refuses to let despair have the last word.
Conclusion: Light the Candle, Live the Joy
Today we light the Candle of Joy—not because life is perfect, but because God’s promise is. Joy is not a mood—it’s the music of heaven breaking into earth.
So let the good news of Advent ring louder than the bad news around us. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let every home, every workplace, every struggle, and every silence feel the weight of this truth:
✦ Joy to the world—the Lord is come.✦ Joy to the world—the Lord is coming again.✦ Joy to the world—let us live like we believe it.

Advent Message 02: Candle of Peace

Sermon Date: 12/7/2025
Bible Verses:
Luke 2:8-14
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-
Theme: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
Introduction: When Peace Feels Far Away
Advent is a season of promise—but it’s also a season of tension. We celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, yet we live in a world riddled with chaos, conflict, and pain. If you’ve ever been heartbroken, afraid, or desperate for something to change—you’re not alone. Christmas is not just twinkling lights and warm memories. It’s also tears on the floor of a stable and angels shouting peace into a battlefield.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow knew this well. On Christmas Day in 1863—during the darkest days of the Civil War—he sat alone, grieving the death of his beloved wife, worrying over his wounded son, and listening to the Christmas bells.
He wrote:
“…And in despair I bowed my head;‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said,‘For hate is strong and mocks the songOf peace on earth, good will to men.’”
Ever felt that way? When the promise of peace seems like a cruel joke? The Candle of Peace is for that moment.
Peace Promised: The Angels’ Song
Luke 2:14 isn’t just a gentle lullaby for a holy night. It’s a battle cry from heaven to earth. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” That’s not wishful thinking—it’s a declaration of divine reality. The angels weren’t pointing to a feeling or a fleeting moment of rest—they were announcing the arrival of a Person whose very presence would shatter the reign of fear.
Before Jesus ever preached a sermon about peace, He was peace. Before He stilled a storm, He was the calm. Before He told His disciples, “Peace be with you,” He was living proof that peace starts from heaven and invades the chaos of earth.
Let’s get this straight:
Peace isn’t something we achieve.
Peace isn’t something we earn.
Peace is something God sent.
Wrapped in swaddling cloths in Bethlehem wasn’t just a baby—it was the very heartbeat of God’s peace nestled into a violent, power-hungry world. Peace doesn’t start with us climbing up to heaven. It starts with heaven coming down to us.
That’s why we light the Candle of Peace. It’s not to remind us of what ought to be. It’s to remind us of what already is—because God Himself has entered our story.
✦ Before Jesus spoke peace—He embodied peace.
Peace Troubled: When Angels Sing, but We Hear Cannon Fire
But let’s be honest: not everyone hears angels singing. Some of us hear explosions, arguments, headlines, bad diagnoses, and broken promises. Longfellow looked out on his war-torn world—and into the wounds of his own heart—and confessed, “There is no peace on earth.” And maybe you’ve felt that too.
Jesus doesn’t gaslight us. He doesn’t say, “Just cheer up and believe harder.” Instead, He looks us in the eyes and says:
“In the world you will have tribulation…” (John 16:33)
He calls it like it is. Tribulation—pressure, pain, battles, grief—will come. But here’s the difference: He doesn’t leave us in the darkness. The full verse says:
“…but take heart; I have overcome the world.”
So what’s the promise? Not that we’ll escape the storm—but that Jesus is greater than the storm. Peace isn’t pretending. Peace is trusting Someone bigger than whatever threatens to undo us.
And when Jesus says:
“My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives…” (John 14:27)
He’s drawing a sharp contrast. The world gives peace like a cheap gift—it breaks, it fades, and when life shatters, so does our peace. But the peace of Christ is bulletproof. Blood-proof. Death-proof.
The world gives peace based on circumstances. Jesus gives peace based on His character.
The world gives peace as long as things are calm.
Jesus gives peace that thrives because He is present—even in turmoil.
Peace is not the absence of conflict—it's the presence of Christ in the conflict.
✦ Peace isn’t found in the silence of the battlefield—it’s found in the Savior who walks into the battle with us.
Peace Practiced: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Peace began with God. Peace comes through Christ. But peace doesn’t stop there. It’s not a museum relic to be admired—it’s a mission to be lived.
Jesus said:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Notice He didn’t say, “Blessed are the peacekeepers.” Peacekeepers avoid conflict. Peacemakers enter it with grace and truth. They don’t sweep things under the rug or whisper empty platitudes. They do the hard work of reconciliation because they carry the DNA of the King who reconciled them to God.
Being a peacemaker means:
Forgiving when you’d rather hold a grudge.
Listening when you’d rather argue.
Building bridges when you’d rather burn them.
Healing wounds you didn’t cause.
Laying down your rights for the sake of someone else’s redemption.
That’s not weakness—that’s Christlikeness.
Why are peacemakers called “sons of God”? Because they act like their Father. Wherever they go, they bring heaven’s peace into earth’s warzones. They embody the gospel with hands that serve, mouths that bless, and hearts that refuse bitterness a bed to sleep in.
In a world of division, bitterness, and digital shouting matches, true peace is radical. It shines. It disrupts. It reveals the kingdom of God one obedient life at a time.
✦ When the world is noisy and angry, a peacemaker becomes a living sermon—an advent candle in human form.
Peace Kept: The Prince of Peace Has the Final Word
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow did not sugarcoat the brokenness around him. He felt the weight of war. He grieved the loss of his wife. He nearly lost his son. And he still dared to hope.
He ended his poem with these words that still ring like church bells across history:
“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,With peace on earth, good will to men.’”
This is not wishful thinking—it is a proclamation of faith. The promise of peace is not rooted in what we see but in who God is.
Paul writes:
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Not just in church. Not just at Christmas. Not just when things are good—at all times, in every way.
God’s peace is not fragile—it’s fierce. It doesn’t crumble when cancer comes back, when they walk away, when the nation divides, or when the headlines scream despair. His peace stands because He stands.
Christian peace is not denial—it’s defiance. It doesn’t say, “Everything is okay.” It declares, “Even if everything falls apart, God has not fallen off His throne.” The cross did not have the final word. The grave did not get the last laugh. The Prince of Peace reigns—and His peace will reign with Him.
✦ Peace is not dead. Peace is a Person. And He is alive.
Conclusion: Light the Candle, Live the Peace
As we light the Candle of Peace, we’re not ignoring the darkness—we’re defying it. The light shines in the darkness. The world might offer distraction, denial, or temporary calm. But only Jesus offers peace that:
Guards the heart,
Ruins our fear,
And reigns forever.
So this week, let the bells ring in your soul:God is not dead. God has not lost. Peace is coming—and peace is here.

The Weekly Show - Episode 78: Celebration, Two year Anniversary

Join Tim and John as they celebrate two years of the Podcast!
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
“Two Years Beneath the Grove”
A Poem for the Walnut Grove Podcast – Celebrating Year Two
Two years of roots grown deep in grace, Of truth proclaimed from place to place, Of voices steady, kind, and sure— A gospel sound both rich and pure.
They opened John’s great book of light, Where Word made flesh broke through the night. They told of life from womb to breath— How God still weaves through life and death.
They faced the world’s most sacred strife, The worth of soul, the gift of life. With trembling hands and holy tone, They said: Each child is His alone.
Through pain and loss, through tear and song, They showed that faith still stands strong. That suffering, though hard to bear, Becomes a place where God meets there.
They sought God’s will through every test— Not in confusion, but in rest. In purpose, guidance, sovereignty— They found His heart, and helped us see.
They spoke of anger, right and wrong, Of tempers short and mercies long. Of Saul and Samuel’s shadowed hour, Of witches, fear, and fading power.
They talked of death—and what’s beyond, Of heaven’s gate and Christ’s dear bond. They said, Fear not!—for love is near, And perfect love drives out our fear.
They called the church to stand and fight, To “suit up” strong in armor bright. To wield the Word, the Spirit’s flame, And bear the banner of His name.
They taught of light that will not fade, Of freedom won, of debts repaid. Of hearts forgiven, spirits freed, Of purpose born from grace and need.
They spoke of friends—the kind that stay, When storms of life don’t go away. Of love that laughs, and truth that binds, Of mercy strong and hearts aligned.
And when the hymns began to rise, Their voices joined beyond the skies. Through words and melody combined, The saints of old and new entwined.
So here’s to years of faith well sown, Of seeds of truth the Spirit’s grown. To Tim and John—whose steady tone Has helped the weary find their home.
Two years beneath the Walnut Grove— Where gospel roots and friendship grow. And if the Lord should grant year three, May His Word still set captives free.
Q&A:
How many tacos can you eat in one sitting? - Jack Brewer
What is your favorite parable? Psalm? - Laken Howell
What do you think about the most recent “rapture-tok” situation with the South African pastor (Joshua Mhlakala)?  - Mallory Kaul
Why are so many people so eager/trusting when they know that no one will know the time or place?  - Mallory Kaul
Which LOTR Movie is the Best? (And Why is it RotK?)  - Mallory Kaul
Is Karma biblical?
How should we address other Christian who believe in Karma?
What is your favorite Childhood Memory? - Sheila Shapley
What was your favorite thing to watch as a child? - Sheila Shapley
What is your favorite hymn? - Sheila Shapley
What is your greatest fear?” - Sheila Shapley

Advent and the Promise: Waiting with Hope for Christ's Return

Rev. Tim Shapley delivers a chapel message about Advent, reflecting on Jesus' first coming, the fulfillment of prophecy, and God’s faithfulness throughout history.He explains the hope of Christ’s second coming through a simple overview of Revelation, encouraging listeners to wait with peace, joy, love, and readiness.

Advent Message 01: Hope of Advent

Sermon Date: 11/30/2025
Bible Verses:
Haggai 2:7
Isaiah 8:10
Isaiah 7:14
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-
Theme: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
Introduction: A Season of Waiting, A Candle of Hope
Advent isn’t just about looking back to the birth of Christ—it’s also about looking forward to His return. We're stuck living in the tension between what God has already done and what He has yet to do. So every year, we light this first candle—the Candle of Hope—not because everything is fine, but because everything isn’t. Hope is fire in the darkness.
Charles Wesley felt that tension in 1744. As he walked the streets of England, he saw orphans freezing in the cold and massive gaps between rich and poor. He was moved by Haggai 2:7—"And I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come." That verse birthed the Advent hymn: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” In it, Wesley reminds us: Jesus is not just the answer for ancient Israel—He is the answer for every fearful, longing heart.
Hope Declared: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
“Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art…”
Advent begins with longing. Like ancient Israel, we are waiting for deliverance—not from Rome, not from Babylon, but from fear, sin, and death.
“Not only that,but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”  (Rom. 8:23)
The world is full of broken strategies and failing plans. But God cuts through that noise:
Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God iswith us.” (Isaiah 8:10)
Advent reminds us—God is with us. Not distant. Not absent. Emmanuel.
Hope Delivered: Born a Child, and Yet a King
It still shocks us, doesn’t it? God didn’t send an army. He sent a baby. The King of Ages wrapped in fragile flesh.
Isaiah prophesied it:
“Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
And Matthew confirms it:
“...they shall call His name Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us’.” (Matt. 1:23)
The gospel is not “try harder”—it’s “behold your King.” He came once in humility; He’s coming again in glory. He broke into history at Bethlehem; He’ll break the skies at His return.
Advent says: He came. He is coming. He is with us now.
Hope Alive: A Living Hope
Peter gives us the heartbeat of Advent hope:
“Blessed be the God and Father… who has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
“Living hope” means this: our past is forgiven, our present is empowered, and our future is secure. Hope is not optimism. It’s not positive vibes. It’s resurrection power. And it is alive because He is alive.
Hope Ahead: The Blessed Hope of His Return
Advent invites us to lift our eyes and hearts to this:
“Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” (Titus 2:13)
The same Jesus who came in a manger will come with majesty. The King who wore thorns will wear a crown. And the One who died for us will raise us to glory with Him.
Wesley prayed it this way:
“By Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.”
Don’t miss that: not by our merit—but His.
Conclusion: Light the Candle, Lift Your Hope
As we light the Candle of Hope, we aren’t pretending the world is bright. We’re declaring that Jesus is the Light—and He is coming.We remember Bethlehem—and we await the clouds of glory.We acknowledge the ache—and we cling to the promise.
So this Advent, join Wesley in his prayer, and let it become your own:Come, Thou long expected Jesus… reign in us forever. Bring Thy gracious kingdom. Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

The Weekly Show - Episode 77: Our Favorite Hymns

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study on Hymns.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
 
Tim’s Favorite Hymns:
Wonderful Grace of Jesus - Author: Haldor Lillenas (1918) Scripture: Romans 5:20 — “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”
Victory in Jesus -  Author: Eugene Monroe Bartlett Sr.
I’d Rather Have Jesus - Lyrics: Rhea F. Miller (1922) Music: George Beverly Shea
All Creatures of Our God and King - Scripture: Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Romans 1:19–20 — “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem written during the Civil War.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Writer: Helen Howarth Lemmel
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Writer: Isaac Watts (1707) Scripture: Galatians 6:14 - “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
All Glory Be to Christ - Writer: Dustin Kensrue Tune: Auld Lang Syne
John’s Favorite Hymns:

Day by Day - Author: Lina Sandell (1865) Scripture: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -2 Cor. 12:9 Focus Line: “Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.” -v. 1
The Love of God Author: Frederick M. Lehman (1917) Scripture: … the Lord appeared to him from far away.  I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. -Jeremiah 31:3 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. -John 21:25
How Great Thou Art - Scripture: Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! -Psalm 48:1 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. -Romans 1:19-20 Focus Line: “That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.” -v. 3
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Author: Robert Robinson (1757) Scripture: The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. -Proverbs 10:22 … but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8 Focus Line: “Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bound my wandering heart to Thee.” -v. 3
What a Friend We Have in Jesus - Author: Joseph Scriven (1855) Scripture: … do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6 Focus Line: “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” -v. 1
Seek Ye First - Author: Karen Lafferty (1971) Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Language Note: The term "Alleluia" (or “Hallelujah”) appears in many hymns, but do we actually think about what it means?  The literal meaning is “God be praised”, so it makes sense it shows up so often.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Author: Thomas Chisholm (1923) Lamentations 3:22–23 - “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Focus Line:  “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided” -Chorus along with Verse 3: “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow…”
Breathe on Me, Breath of God - Author: Edwin Hatch (1878) John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit…”  Focus Line: “Fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love and do what Thou wouldst do.”
Psalm 19 (The Law of the Lord Is Perfect) - Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested part from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it - the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Romans 3:31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith?  By no means!  On the contrary, we uphold the law.
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us - Author: Stuart Townend (1995) Focus Line: “Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.” Scripture: For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. -1 Timothy 2:5-6

Give Thanks: Discovering God’s Unchanging Goodness (Psalm 107)

Rev. Tim Shapley explores Psalm 107:1-9, showing how thanksgiving begins by remembering God’s unchanging goodness.He highlights three truths: gratitude starts with who God is, it is the natural response of the redeemed, and it remembers God’s delivering and satisfying provision.Be encouraged to tell your story, trust God’s faithfulness, and live a life of daily thanksgiving.

The Weekly Show - Episode 76: Biblical Friendship

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study on Friendship.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
 Introduction: Biblical Friendship
Friendship is one of God’s most sacred gifts—and one of the most misunderstood. The world treats friendship as something casual, easily replaced, and mostly self-serving. It’s often built on shared interests, convenience, or temporary benefit. When life changes, when pressure comes, or when the relationship no longer “feels” rewarding, many friendships simply fade into memory.
But Scripture paints a completely different picture. Biblical friendship isn’t fragile—it’s covenantal. It’s not built on comfort—it’s built on commitment. It doesn’t depend on how well someone performs, entertains, or agrees with you. True friendship, as God defines it, is costly, enduring, and sacred because it mirrors His own nature.
In 1 Samuel 18, when David and Jonathan met, the Bible says their souls were “knit together.” That’s not the language of convenience—it’s the language of covenant. Jonathan, the rightful heir to Saul’s throne, willingly gave his royal robe, his armor, and his sword to David. He essentially said, “My strength is yours. My loyalty is yours. My future is tied to God’s plan for you.” That’s friendship rooted in divine purpose, not personal gain.
And this kind of friendship didn’t end when things got dangerous. Jonathan stood by David even when it cost him favor with his father and threatened his own safety. In that moment, Jonathan modeled a truth that runs through the entire story of Scripture—real friendship isn’t about what you get; it’s about what you give.
Later, in the New Testament, Jesus would show the same pattern of friendship perfected. He said to His disciples, “I no longer call you servants, but friends” (John 15:15). The Son of God, knowing He was about to be betrayed, still chose to wash His friends’ feet. He chose to forgive, to serve, to stay loyal to people who would soon scatter in fear. That’s divine friendship—love that doesn’t quit when it’s wounded.
True friendship, then, isn’t a side note to faith—it’s a reflection of God’s heart. From the covenant between David and Jonathan to the example of Christ Himself, the Bible reveals that friendship is a holy calling. It’s not a shallow emotional bond; it’s a sacred trust that says, “I see you. I stand with you. I will remind you of who God is when you forget.”
And just like light in the darkness, genuine friendship shines brightest when the world around it grows dim. In an age of isolation, digital connections, and disposable relationships, God is still calling His people to something deeper—to friendships that carry truth, loyalty, sacrifice, and joy.
Biblical friendship doesn’t just comfort; it transforms. It doesn’t simply keep us company; it keeps us accountable. It doesn’t fade when tested; it endures because its foundation is divine love, not human convenience.
If our generation could rediscover what David and Jonathan knew—what Jesus embodied—we might not only find better friends; we might become them.
Key Theme One: Friendship that Commits
1 Samuel 18:1–4
“After David had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”
Biblical friendship begins with a moment of recognition—a sense that God has knit two lives together for something greater than either could accomplish alone. That’s what happened when David and Jonathan met. David, the shepherd boy turned giant-slayer, had just stepped into the royal court, unsure of what his future would hold. Jonathan, the prince of Israel, saw something in David that went far beyond status or skill. Scripture says their souls were “knit together”—a phrase that suggests something sacred, a bond woven by God Himself.
Jonathan’s response to this connection is one of the most striking acts of humility and devotion in the entire Old Testament. He was the heir to Saul’s throne. The robe he wore symbolized royalty, authority, and inheritance. Yet when he met David, Jonathan willingly took that robe off and placed it on his friend’s shoulders. He gave David his sword and armor, not as a gesture of defeat, but as a declaration of trust. In doing so, Jonathan essentially said, “What I have, I offer. Who I am, I share. My life is bound to yours because I see God’s purpose in you.”
That moment is what sets biblical friendship apart from every counterfeit version the world offers. It’s not built on what feels easy or natural; it’s forged in a choice—to honor God’s calling in someone else, even when it might cost you something personally. Jonathan’s friendship wasn’t shallow affection. It was loyalty wrapped in love, sealed by covenant, and tested by hardship.
Today, most friendships falter at the first sign of sacrifice. When people change, move on, or become inconvenient, loyalty often gives way to distance. But Jonathan shows us that real friendship isn’t about convenience—it’s about commitment. It’s about saying, “I’m here. Not because you’re perfect, but because God has joined our paths, and I’m not walking away when it gets hard.”
That kind of friend doesn’t just stand beside you when the spotlight’s on; they stay when the shadows fall. They don’t compete with your success; they celebrate it. They don’t pull away when you struggle; they draw closer.
Jonathan’s covenant with David foreshadows the kind of relationship Christ would later offer His disciples—a friendship not based on mutual benefit, but on selfless love. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Jonathan lived that truth centuries before those words were spoken. He laid down his own claim to power so that God’s purpose for David could rise.
This is the first mark of biblical friendship: it commits before it’s convenient. It says yes before knowing what the cost will be. It doesn’t wait to see what it can gain—it gives freely, because it loves deeply.
True friends don’t just walk with you when the path is smooth; they carry you when the road turns uphill. And like Jonathan, they’ll give you their sword when your own strength runs out.
Key Theme Two: Friendship that Protects
1 Samuel 20
“And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.” — 1 Samuel 20:17
There are moments in every friendship when loyalty gets tested—not by distance or disagreement, but by danger. For Jonathan and David, that test came swiftly. Saul, Jonathan’s father and the king of Israel, had turned bitterly against David. What once was admiration turned to jealousy, and that jealousy burned into murderous intent.
Jonathan stood in an impossible position—torn between the king who had raised him and the friend whom God had chosen. His father’s throne and his friend’s life stood in direct opposition. It would have been easier to avoid choosing sides, to stay silent, to keep his hands clean and his heart guarded. But Jonathan refused to hide in neutrality. Love and truth wouldn’t let him.
Instead, Jonathan chose courage over comfort. He stood up for David before Saul, speaking words that could have cost him his own life. When Saul’s rage grew, Jonathan risked everything to warn David, sending a secret signal with arrows to tell him to flee. The Bible captures one of the most tender moments of friendship ever recorded: “David bowed before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most” (1 Samuel 20:41).
This wasn’t weakness. It was worship. Their tears were an act of holy love between brothers in covenant, knowing that obedience to God’s will would separate them physically but never spiritually. Jonathan protected David not out of sentiment, but out of conviction. He recognized that David’s destiny was divinely ordained, and he refused to let jealousy or fear silence him.
True friendship is proven not when it’s easy to love, but when it’s dangerous to care. Jonathan’s example reveals a truth that modern friendship often forgets—real love will always defend what’s right, even when it costs something. He protected David at great personal risk because he understood that loyalty to a friend is never disloyalty to God when that friend is walking in His will.
We live in a culture that confuses protection with enabling and silence with peace. But Jonathan’s love shows the difference. He didn’t shield David from truth; he shielded him from harm. He wasn’t afraid to confront evil, even when it came from his own father. His friendship was both tender and fierce—gentle enough to comfort, strong enough to stand guard.
In the same way, godly friends today are called to protect not only each other’s reputations, but each other’s souls. That means speaking up when someone is being slandered. It means praying fiercely when someone’s faith wavers. It means offering correction in love when a friend starts drifting from God’s truth. Protection isn’t passive—it’s active, intentional, and rooted in grace.
Jonathan’s story challenges us to ask: Who am I protecting? Not out of pride or control, but out of genuine love for what God is doing in someone’s life. And it also asks another question: Who is protecting me? Because every David needs a Jonathan—and every Jonathan needs a David.
When Saul’s hatred boiled over, Jonathan’s arrows didn’t just save David’s life; they testified to what divine friendship really looks like. It’s brave. It’s loyal. It’s sacrificial. It says, “I will not let you fight alone.”
Jesus showed this same kind of friendship when He stood between humanity and judgment. He became our defender, our intercessor, our shield. Jonathan pointed toward that greater Friend—the One who laid down His life to protect us from eternal harm.
In a world full of betrayal and self-preservation, Jonathan’s story still speaks: Friendship that protects is friendship that reflects Christ.
Key Theme Three: Friendship that Reflects Love
1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:7–21
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7 “We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19
If commitment is the foundation of friendship, and protection is its strength, then love is its heartbeat. Without love, friendship is just shared convenience dressed in sentiment. But when love—true, biblical love—takes root, friendship becomes something holy, eternal, and life-giving.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we find a description of love that redefines everything the world believes about relationships. It’s not poetic filler for weddings; it’s a manifesto for how to love people well. Love that is patient and kind isn’t passive—it’s powerful. It refuses to rush judgment or hold grudges. It doesn’t inflate its ego or demand to be right. It doesn’t withdraw when disappointed. Instead, it endures.
In our culture, affection is often confused with love. Affection can fade when feelings cool. Attraction can change when circumstances shift. But biblical love doesn’t hinge on comfort—it’s anchored in covenant. It’s not something we manufacture from emotion; it’s something we mirror from God.
John makes that clear when he writes, “We love because He first loved us.” That means our friendships aren’t meant to be mirrors of our personalities—they’re meant to be reflections of His presence. We can’t pour out what we haven’t received. The ability to love another person well flows directly from knowing that we’ve been loved perfectly by Christ.
This kind of love transforms how we view our friends. Instead of demanding they meet our needs, we begin to look for ways to meet theirs. Instead of silently keeping score of who texted last or who showed up most, we choose to believe the best, forgive the worst, and keep showing up.
Love is patient enough to wait through someone’s healing. Love is kind enough to speak truth gently. Love is humble enough to celebrate another’s success. Love is strong enough to forgive seventy times seven. And love is holy enough to let go when God calls you to.
When you love this way, friendship becomes ministry. Every word of encouragement, every moment of prayer, every small act of faithfulness becomes a reflection of the God who loved you first.
But this kind of love also tests you. It requires vulnerability. It asks you to risk being misunderstood, to keep your heart soft when it’s been hurt, to open the door again when you’d rather close it forever. That’s why friendship is not for the faint of heart—it’s for the faithful.
John goes further, saying, “If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.” That means friendship is one of the places where God reveals Himself. When two people walk in truth and grace, when they forgive freely and encourage sincerely, they become living parables of divine love. Their friendship tells a story about what God is like—faithful, merciful, unchanging.
The love described in 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 4 isn’t sentimental—it’s spiritual. It’s not about finding someone who makes life easier; it’s about choosing someone who helps you look more like Jesus. And sometimes that means walking with friends through valleys, holding them accountable when they drift, and reminding them who they are in Christ when they forget.
The goal of friendship isn’t perfection—it’s reflection. To love as God loves. To forgive as He forgave. To serve as He served. To be patient as He is patient.
So when Paul says that love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,” he’s describing the kind of friendship that lasts. A friendship that can weather seasons of silence, misunderstanding, or pain—and still emerge shining. Because it’s built not on convenience, but on Christ.
That’s the kind of love that turned fishermen into apostles, rivals into brothers, wanderers into witnesses. That’s the kind of love that still changes lives today.
Biblical friendship reflects the love of God so clearly that when people see it, they catch a glimpse of Him.
Key Theme Four: Friendship that Delights
Song of Solomon 5:16
“This is my beloved, this is my friend.”
When we think about friendship in Scripture, we often focus on loyalty, sacrifice, and endurance—and rightly so. But there’s another side to biblical friendship that is equally important and often overlooked: delight.
True friendship is not only a matter of faithfulness; it’s a matter of joy. It is one of the rare places in this life where holiness and happiness intertwine—where laughter becomes worship, and companionship becomes a reflection of God’s own delight in His creation.
The Song of Solomon, a poetic masterpiece of love and longing, gives us an unexpected window into this truth. Amid all the romance and passion, the Shulamite woman says something profoundly simple about her beloved: “This is my beloved, this is my friend.” She doesn’t separate affection from friendship—she unites them. What she describes is not infatuation, but intimacy built on trust, respect, and shared delight.
That phrase—“this is my friend”—carries a spiritual truth that reaches beyond romantic love. It reminds us that friendship, at its core, is meant to be enjoyed. It’s not just about endurance, loyalty, or obligation—it’s also about laughter around the fire, stories told at midnight, encouragement that lifts the soul, and the comfort of being fully known and still fully accepted.
God Himself designed friendship to be a joy. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is the eternal expression of perfect communion, unity, and delight. When we experience the laughter, warmth, and refreshment of friendship, we are tasting something that has existed in the heart of God forever.
David and Jonathan didn’t just share hardship; they shared affection. They wept together. They rejoiced together. They found strength in each other’s faith. Likewise, Jesus didn’t walk with His disciples simply as their teacher—He shared meals, laughter, journeys, and even moments of quiet companionship. Their relationship wasn’t mechanical; it was meaningful.
The world often portrays deep affection between friends as weakness or dependency. But the Bible celebrates it as strength. Proverbs 27:9 says, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Friendship is meant to refresh the soul, not burden it. It is one of the ways God restores joy to weary hearts.
A biblical friend doesn’t just pray for you in crisis—they also make you laugh when life feels heavy. They remind you that joy is holy. They reflect God’s goodness not only through sacrifice, but through celebration.
The Apostle Paul, even in the midst of ministry and suffering, constantly expressed delight in his friendships. He wrote to the Philippians, “I thank my God every time I remember you… I always pray with joy” (Philippians 1:3–4). His friendships weren’t distractions from his calling—they were part of it. They gave strength to his spirit and joy to his journey.
There’s something beautifully human and beautifully divine about that. God doesn’t just call us to love our friends sacrificially—He invites us to enjoy them wholeheartedly. The laughter of good friends, the quiet peace of trusted companionship, and the joy of shared purpose are all reflections of heaven’s design.
But even this kind of friendship has a purpose beyond itself. Delight in friendship points us back to the ultimate source of joy—God Himself. Every moment of laughter, every word of encouragement, every season of shared life is a reminder that He is the truest Friend of all—the One who rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17) and calls us His own.
When the Shulamite woman declared, “This is my beloved, this is my friend,” she was expressing a truth that echoes through eternity: friendship is not only sacred; it is sweet. It nourishes the soul and reminds us that love and joy are not opposites—they are partners in the work of God.
So delight in your friends. Cherish them. Laugh freely, pray deeply, forgive quickly, and celebrate generously. Because when you do, you are living out one of the most joyful expressions of divine love on earth.
Biblical friendship doesn’t just endure—it rejoices. It doesn’t only carry burdens—it shares blessings. It doesn’t merely survive—it sings. And that song of friendship is one of God’s favorite sounds.
Conclusion: Friends Like Jesus
All through Scripture, friendship has been one of God’s most intimate languages. From the bond between David and Jonathan to the letters of Paul overflowing with affection for his companions, we see that friendship isn’t a side note to faith—it’s one of its purest expressions. Yet no example shines brighter than the friendship of Jesus Christ Himself.
When Jesus walked the earth, He redefined what it meant to be a friend. He didn’t choose companions who could advance His reputation or meet His needs. He chose ordinary men and women—fishermen, tax collectors, the misunderstood, and the broken. He called them not servants, not projects, but friends.
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends…” (John 15:15)
That statement is revolutionary. The Creator of the universe lowered Himself to the level of companionship. He didn’t just lead His disciples; He walked with them. He listened, laughed, ate, prayed, and wept alongside them. And ultimately, He loved them to the end.
But Christ’s friendship wasn’t just tender—it was transformative. He didn’t merely offer comfort; He called His friends into purpose. He taught them, corrected them, sent them, and entrusted them with His mission. His love was not permissive; it was purifying. It refined them into the kind of people who could carry His truth into a dark world.
At the cross, Jesus proved the cost of perfect friendship. He laid down His life not for the worthy, but for the weary; not for the faithful, but for the fearful. When everyone else fled, He stayed. When all others failed, He forgave.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
That’s the heartbeat of biblical friendship: to love like Jesus. To walk beside someone in weakness. To forgive when they fall. To celebrate when they rise. To tell the truth when silence would be easier. To choose presence over pride and mercy over distance.
Friendship with Jesus changes how we see all other friendships. It calls us to relationships that reflect His character—gracious, loyal, honest, and full of hope. We become the kind of friends who pray more than we gossip, who build up instead of compete, who show up instead of disappear. And in doing so, we offer the world a glimpse of the Friend who never leaves nor forsakes.
When David lost Jonathan, he cried out in grief, “Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.” (2 Samuel 1:26) That was not exaggeration; it was revelation. He had experienced covenant love—the kind that points to Christ. Every faithful friendship in Scripture is a shadow of the greater reality: that Jesus is the truest, closest, most enduring Friend we will ever have.
So what does it mean to be a friend like Jesus? It means loving with purpose. It means protecting without fear. It means giving without keeping score. It means rejoicing in another’s joy and grieving in their pain. It means walking together toward holiness, not just happiness.
When we learn to be friends like Jesus, the church becomes more than a gathering—it becomes a family. And the world begins to notice a love that cannot be explained by personality or preference, only by the presence of God.
Friendship, at its best, is a small echo of the gospel itself: chosen, faithful, and undeserved. And when it’s lived rightly, it becomes one of the loudest testimonies of God’s love on earth.
So cherish your friends. Pray for them. Forgive them. Laugh with them. Challenge them. And above all, let every friendship you hold point back to the Friend who started it all—the One who called you by name, sat at your table, bore your burdens, and still whispers daily, “You are My friend.”