1 Samuel 19:4

Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. - 1 Samuel 19:4

Dear Jesus,

I want to be like Jonathan and speak up for my friends when others are speaking poorly of them.  I want to learn to stick my neck out for them and help them gain a good reputation in the mind of others.  Help me Lord. Help me plant good words in estranged people's minds so they soften their hearts toward one another and learn to get along.  Give me the water to put out the flames of gossip that tear down and destroy.  Oh Lord, build up your people through me.

Pastor Don Patterson

A friend is someone who will defend your name even when he knows your weaknesses better than your critics.