Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 18 October 2025 (In Touch) Saturday Message
Charles Stanley Daily Devotional TOPIC: How to Foster True Friendships
TODAY’S SCRPTURE: 1 Samuel 18:1-3
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1 Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.
2 Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.
3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
We all want to be in genuine relationships with others. God created us with this longing (Genesis 2:18), but healthy friendships don’t just happen. They require intentional effort.
Yesterday, in looking to Jonathan and David for a biblical model of godly companions, we saw that mutual respect is vital. Now, let’s look at two more aspects of their relationship. Both of these men expressed selfless love for the other; their hearts were knit together (1 Sam. 18:1). When one man experienced joy or sadness, the other man felt it as well.
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They also had genuine devotion for one another, which is a type of commitment that involves giving. To show loyalty, Jonathan gave his friend material items—his robe, belt, and weapons. But even more than that was offered: Jonathan risked his life and future kingship to save David from execution. Notice, too, that Jonathan was a prince, whereas David was a lowly shepherd. Social status shouldn’t interfere with cultivating a true friendship.
We were designed for true companionship based on respect, affection, and commitment. This requires not only time but also transparency and selfless devotion. Trust is needed when taking a risk for friendship, but such relationships are worth the effort.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 13-14
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Healthy friendships don’t just happen—they require intentional effort.
Dr. Charles F. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. Throughout his ministry, he demonstrated a keen awareness of people’s needs and provided Christ-centered biblically based principles for everyday life
