Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV
Interesting how Paul described our relational treatment with people in church. For older men - fathers, younger men - brothers, older women - mothers, younger women - sisters. In other words treat them as family. If we are to conduct our selves the way Paul admonished the church to treat each other, we need to grow in our relationship together. If we are to treat each other as family, we need to grow from superficial hi, hello, relationship to sincere relationship and a growing one at that. We need to invest time with people if we are to treat them as family. If we are to admonish, encourage, and correct one another as family, we need a relationship that serves as foundation to that. Family members must not be strangers to each other. Family members should grow in their communication skills and relationship skills if they keep thriving.
Also by treating church as family, we are reminded of our unrealistic expectations of other believers. No family is perfect, we are all a testament to that. Conflicts are part of every home and family. The ability and dedication to go through those conflicts and still love and respect one another must also be the same in our relationship with others. 25 December
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