1 Samuel 18:1 When David had finished speaking to King Saul, the soul of Jonathan (Saul’s eldest son and heir) was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; as a result, Saul set him over the army. And all the people, even the servants of Saul, approved.

In this brief passage we twice read that Jonathan loved David “as his own soul”. It’s an interesting phrase that describes a kind of deep love and devotion men can have for one another. I’ve known echoes of this kind of love in men with whom I served in the military or served together in ministry. It is a precious thing that is also rare. I expect there must be something similar between some women as well. Or perhaps even among people of different genders. Thank you Lord for those persons whom we love as our own soul. Amen.