I Samuel 18

"And David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him" (v14). Reactions to David's success revealed much about the hearts of men. Jonathan, the king's son and heir, should have been jealous. Instead, Jonathan recognized in David a like-minded spirit, courageous and faith-filled, and "loved him as himself (v1). But King Saul, who had used young David to regain Israel's honor, now "dreaded him" (v15). Saul, fearful and anxious, only saw a rival, not a fellow-warrior.

Jonathan cared more about God's honor than his own. Free from selfish pride, he could rejoice in God's blessing on David.