I’m joining Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Lots of women. All of us writing on that same word.
Today the word prompt is … Dear.
I read the word prompt and thought, “Dear me, what a strange prompt!” and laugh as the pun was not even intended.
So I cheated and flipped to my concordance to see what might prompt a thought.
Interestingly enough, the word “dear” is only used three times in the Old Testament but many times in the New Testament. As I scrolled down the list, I began to something began to stand out …
- “dear woman”
- “dear friends”
- “dear children”
- “dear brother”
- “dear brother and faithful servant”
- “dear fellow servant”
- “dear son”
- “dear lady”
The word was clearly being used as a term of affection which stemmed from relationship. These New Testament believers lived life with each other, caring for one another deeply and intimately.
They encouraged and affirmed. They exhorted and criticized. They spoke words to one another to push each other through life, living shoulder to shoulder.
They addressed one another as “dear” because they cherished relationship and the lives of the other. Life was precious to them.
May we be living each day, hearts bent towards Him and each other.
For you are dear.
“Therefore, my dear brothers {{sisters}}, stand firm. Let nothing move you.”
(1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)
** Kate Motaung is generously offering her book, Letters to Grief, for free on Kindle. Don’t miss her offer as this is a beautiful book in word and imagery. You can read about it here and get it here.
Today I am joining with … Five Minute Friday and Everyday Jesus and Fellowship Friday and Friendship Friday and Blessing Counters .
Great message of joining together this FMF.
And we so do that well each Friday, don’t we! Blessings!
Certainly a word one uses when addressing a loved one or even a person one has respect for.
I’ve seen that linkup and always stayed away because I’m too much of a recovering perfectionist to send out a blog that hasn’t been edited! Sigh…oh dear…I did enjoy your post. Life is, indeed, precious. This is a good time of year to remember that.
Oh Mary, don’t stay away. That’s the beauty of this linkup – imperfection is encouraged 🙂
Great thoughts here. Thank you!
Dear ones live in relationship. Beautiful reminder!
May we all come to recognize anew how precious & dear relationships are in our lives. Grateful you stopped here!
You did an incredible job with that prompt! Love the encouragement in this post. Thanks so much for sharing it. It blessed me!
Heather, thank you for your kind & encouraging comments – always. You are the blessing!
Popping in from Friendship Friday- thanks for this great reminder of the importance of relationships… especially at this time of year, when our time is stretched to breaking point. Making time to keep people “dear” to us certainly trumps shopping and baking and decorating! Blessings to you (and well done for writing this in 5 minutes!!)
Love this thought that you shared >>> “Making time to keep people “dear” to us certainly trumps shopping and baking and decorating!” Now I want to remember that in the days ahead!!! Thank you for sharing here with me!
Beautiful post. I’ve been called “dear” by those I’m closest too.
It truly falls on our ear differently when we hear it with regards to ourselves, doesn’t it? Amazing to think that He calls us “dear”. Have a great weekend!