Every word we utter should echo the truth of our hearts. To call someone a friend, brother or father is to bestow upon them a piece of our soul. Such labels should not be carelessly thrown about, for they hold the power to shape connections. Respect these titles; they’re not mere words but bonds of trust and affection. Let your words be sincere, for insincerity poisons the wells of friendship and family. Reserve these names for those who truly deserve them, for in meaning what you say, you nurture the roots of meaningful relationships.
The words you use to describe someone with whom you have a relationship are extremely important. You must exercise caution when assigning tags to your relationships. While it was possible to have thousands of teachers, Apostle Paul pointed out that having many fathers (or daddies) would be insane. This is significant because your primary identity is linked to who you call your father (1 Corinthians 4:14-16). When you refer to someone as your father or mother, you are expressing your desire to interact with them as their child. You must submit as an apprentice when you tag someone as your master.
Malachi 1:6 asks, “If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear?” There are promises, obligations and expectations in every relationship. Jon Snow warned us all, “when enough people make false promises, words stop meaning anything. Then there are no more answers, only better and better lies.” There must be a distinction when you call someone your brother or sister; things you would not do for someone who is not your brother. If everyone is the same to you, no matter what you call them, you’re lying. And lying is strongly condemned in the Bible.
