PHILIA “Loving with Acceptance” // 1 Samuel 18:1-9 // Bro. Ray Joseph Inocencio //January 15, 2023

Philia is the most general type of love in scripture such as:
- Encompassing love for fellow humans
- Care
- Respect
- Compassion for people in need

John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Philia used to describe deep meaningful friendships. This goes much deeper than simply acquaintances

Philia love is often seen as one of the most important forms of love because it can help people achieve their highest potential.

1 Samuel 18:1
“Now when he (David) had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”

Important lessons to learn from the friendship between David and Jonathan:
1. Friends are people we love with our own souls. (Mark 12:31, 1 Samuel 18:1,3)
2. Friends believe in “what’s mine is yours”. (1 Samuel 18:1-3)
3. Loyalty is the key. (1 Samuel 20:14-17)
4. The love triangle in friendship (2 Samuel 1:26,1 Samuel 20:42)
5. Friends – the family we choose for ourselves! (2 Samuel:1)

Ecclesiastes 4:9,10
As long as we live, we will run into people who may either bless us or we should be a blessing upon. The Bible says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. If they fall, one will lift up his companion.”

Proverbs 17:17
If you have a friend, thank God for the friendship, appreciate it, and never let it go! Indeed, Jonathan and David’s friendship attests that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”

1. Friendship is a gift from God. (John 15:13-15)
2. A true friend is true (Proverbs 17:17; 1 Samuel 20:32, 33),
3. A true friend loves you as he loves himself. (1 Samuel 18:1; 20:17; Matthew 22:39).
4. A true friend helps you find strength in God. (1 Samuel 23:16)

1 Samuel 18:3
Then