Word Study Wednesday

This month's word study is on the word beloved which means loved, greatly loved and dear to heart.  Today, we look at some of Paul's statements that he wrote to the Corinthians: 

14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn [you]. ...

Our modern society has lost the attitude of considering the words of those who care about the status of our souls.  Here his intent is not to shame but to warn.  Today, when we try to warn, people feel judged and how dare we make them feel "bad."

 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. [1Co 4:14, 17 NKJV]

Paul was an example to follow, as he followed Christ, our perfect example.  We should always encourage others to follow our perfect example, Jesus!

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. [1Co 10:14 NKJV]

Idolatry will kill your soul.  It is something best avoided.  How can I tell if something is an idol in my life?  For starters, if something is more important to me than God, then  it is an idol.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. [1Co 15:58 NKJV]

Because Paul loved those he ministered to, he encouraged them to God honoring behaviors and...

1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. [2Co 7:1 NKJV]

...attitudes.  We should desire to be pure and clean before God.

19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But [we do] all things, beloved, for your edification. [2Co 12:19 NKJV]

One of our motivations is to encourage and build up fellow believers in the Kingdom of God so we are better able to represent Him here on earth.