Biblical terminology is instructive as we consider our feelings about our brethren. Collectively, brethren are spoken of as beloved in Rome (9:25), Corinth (1 Corinthians 10:14), Philippi (Philippians 2:12), Colosse (Colossians 3:12), Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:4) and Asia (1 Peter 2:11). Brethren are also described as beloved of God (Romans 1:7), beloved sons (1 Corinthians 4:14), beloved brethren (1 Corinthians 15:58) and portrayed as the beloved City (Revelation 20:9). Individually, the Bible describes several as beloved, including Paul (2 Peter 3:15), Luke (Colossians 4:14), Philemon (1:1), Onesimus (Colossians 4:9), Timothy (1 Corinthians 4:17), Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21) and the Christ (Ephesians 1:6). These mortal brethren were neither sinless nor without personal fault. Yet, the inspired writers freely used the above descriptive terms to illustrate their personal disposition of heart toward the brethren. May I suggest that we should do no less. As the challenges of life overtake each of us and as we fail to fulfill others’ expectations of us, may we maintain an endeared state with one another so that, regardless of our imperfections, we are still beloved one of another. Such a disposition will take us far as we maintain and exercise our mutual fellowship. May the Lord bless each of us as we commit ourselves anew to such a worthy goal.
