Now when he (David) had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan (Saul's son) was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

- 1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV)

What does it mean for two souls to be knit together?

There is knitting technique called “stranded knitting” that uses two colors of yarn. The knitter is required to hold both. While one color is being used, the second creates a strand on the back side of the knitting. When the project calls for the second color, the knitter switches and the first color creates a strand on the back.

Isn't friendship like that? Two different personalities held in the Master Knitter's hands are fashioned into something beautiful. The operative phrase here is “held in the Master's hands.”

Being in the Master's hands leaves no room for selfish ways. There is no room for jealousy, for heavy expectations, for impatience.

Being in the Master’s hands provides abundant room for gracious ways. There is room for careful listening, seeking understanding, willing-sacrifice, and joyful expectancy.

Sometimes friends need to talk and be vulnerable (the yarn showing on the front), sometimes they need to listen and be receptive (the stranded yarn on the back).

Eventually this friendship will develop into something that will provide warmth for others. When the Master Knitter works it is always with the intention of using His creation to bless. Knitted-together friends know that and open their arms to others.

Perhaps you can get more insight into the formation of friendships by watching stranded knitting in action at How to Knit with Two Colors/Knitting on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULNk9XHoxuY

Please share your insights, or any other thoughts on friendship, with us.