One of the unique and heartwarming aspects of Christian fellowship is the practice of calling one another “brother” or “sister.” This simple title carries profound theological significance and reminds believers of their shared identity in Christ. Rooted in the gospel message, this practice emphasizes our adoption into God’s family, our equality as heirs with Christ, and our unity as members of His body. Through Scripture, we see examples of believers using this familial language to affirm their connection and offer encouragement, assurance, and belonging. Understanding why Christians use these terms enriches our appreciation for our spiritual heritage and inspires us to live out our faith in love and humility.
Words: 1487 / Time to read: 8 minutes
Rebirth and Adoption into God’s Family
The Gospel and Spiritual Rebirth
The foundation of Christian family language lies in the transformative power of the gospel. When someone places their faith in Jesus Christ, they experience spiritual rebirth, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). This new birth is not of human origin but comes through the Spirit: “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). Through this rebirth, believers are made new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), adopted into God’s family, and given a new identity as children of God.
Adoption as Sons and Daughters
Paul emphasizes our adoption into God’s family in his letters, describing how faith in Christ transforms us from spiritual orphans to beloved children: “The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:15). This adoption gives believers the privilege of addressing God as their Father and affirms their place in His household.
This family relationship also makes believers heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Paul continues, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17). This inheritance includes eternal life, the promises of God, and the joy of being part of His kingdom.
Unity as Members of One Body
The language of “brother” and “sister” also reflects the unity of believers in Christ. Paul writes, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith… There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26, 28). By faith, believers are united as members of one body, sharing a common spiritual heritage and purpose.
This unity calls for mutual care and humility. Paul exhorts the Church in Philippi: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3–4). Addressing one another as “brother” and “sister” fosters this spirit of equality and mutual respect, reminding believers of their shared status as members of God’s family.
Examples of “Brother” and “Sister” in Scripture
The terms “brother” and “sister” are used throughout the New Testament to signify the familial bond among believers. While “brother” is more frequently used, “sister” also appears in several contexts, affirming the equality of all believers in the family of God. These examples demonstrate how early Christians used familial language to foster unity, acceptance, and mutual care.
1. Ananias and “Brother Saul”
One of the most moving uses of “brother” is found in Acts 9:17, when Ananias addresses Saul as “Brother Saul.” After Saul’s dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Ananias is sent by the Lord to restore Saul’s sight and welcome him into the Christian community. Despite Saul’s prior persecution of Christians, Ananias calls him “Brother Saul,” immediately affirming his acceptance and inclusion in the family of faith. This greeting must have been a monumental relief for Saul, assuring him that his transformation was genuine and recognized by others.
2. Jesus and His Followers
Jesus Himself uses familial language to describe the relationship between believers. In Matthew 12:50, He declares, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” This statement expands the concept of family to include all who follow God, underscoring the spiritual bonds that surpass biological ties. By including “sister” alongside “brother,” Jesus highlights the full inclusion of women in the family of God.
3. Phoebe as “Our Sister”
Paul explicitly refers to Phoebe as “our sister” in Romans 16:1:
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.”
Phoebe’s identification as a sister affirms her standing within the Christian community and highlights her important role in the Church. Paul’s commendation encourages the Roman believers to welcome and support her, recognizing her as an equal member of God’s family.
4. James on Caring for Brothers and Sisters
James uses both terms together to emphasize care for fellow believers:
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food” (James 2:15).
This passage underscores the familial responsibility Christians have toward one another. It highlights the shared identity of all believers, regardless of gender, and calls for practical expressions of love and support.
5. Paul’s Appeal to Philemon
In his letter to Philemon, Paul appeals for the reconciliation of Philemon with Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a believer. Paul writes, “No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother” (Philemon 1:16). This statement elevates Onesimus’ status from a servant to an equal, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in creating a family where all are valued.
6. Peter’s Call to Love the Family of Believers
Peter encourages believers to treat one another as family:
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17).
While Peter does not explicitly use “brother” or “sister” here, the phrase “family of believers” conveys the same meaning, emphasizing the unity and mutual love that should define the Church.
7. Paul’s Instruction to Timothy: Treat Women as Sisters
In 1 Timothy 5:2, Paul advises Timothy on how to interact with members of the Church:
“Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”
This instruction highlights the respect and care that should characterize relationships within the Christian community, particularly toward women.
8. Believers as Siblings in Galatians
Paul writes to the Galatians, addressing them as siblings in Christ:
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently” (Galatians 6:1).
Here, Paul uses both terms to emphasize the responsibility of believers to care for and restore one another in love.
9. Martha as a Sister of Faith
John 11:1 introduces Martha as “a certain man named Lazarus’ sister.” Later in John 11:21–27, Martha demonstrates her faith in Jesus, confessing Him as “the Messiah, the Son of God.” Although not explicitly addressed as “sister” in a spiritual sense, her close relationship with Jesus and her faith position her as a sister in Christ, exemplifying the spiritual bonds that transcend biological ties.
10. Sister Apphia in Philemon
In the greeting of his letter to Philemon, Paul includes a woman named Apphia, whom he addresses as “our sister”:
“To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier” (Philemon 1:1–2).
This greeting highlights her inclusion and likely her role in the Church, affirming her as a full member of the Christian family.
The Significance of Brother and Sister in Scripture
The use of “brother” and “sister” throughout Scripture reflects the deep familial connection believers share in Christ. These terms signify shared identity, equality, and mutual responsibility within God’s family. Whether affirming inclusion, as with “Brother Saul,” or emphasizing practical care, as in James 2:15, this language reminds us of the spiritual reality that we are one in Christ.
By including these examples, we see that “sister” is just as significant as “brother,” demonstrating the equality of men and women in the body of Christ. Together, these terms foster humility, unity, and love, calling believers to live as a family united by faith.
Encouragement to Embrace This Practice
The practice of calling one another “brother” and “sister” serves as a beautiful reminder of our shared identity in Christ. It reflects the spiritual reality that we are members of God’s family, united by faith and bound together by love. This language fosters a spirit of humility and equality, encouraging believers to share resources, support one another, and work together for the glory of God.
Encouraging Humility and Unity
Addressing one another as family helps to break down barriers of pride and division. It reminds us that all believers, regardless of background or status, are equally loved by God and equally valuable in His kingdom. This humility enables us to prioritize others’ needs, following the example of Christ, who “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).
Strength in Spiritual Tasks
The familial bond also strengthens believers for spiritual tasks. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” When believers work together as brothers and sisters, they reflect the unity of the body of Christ and accomplish more for His kingdom.
A Hymn That Speaks to This Truth
One hymn that beautifully captures the spirit of Christian family is “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” written by John Fawcett in 1782. Inspired by Galatians 6:2, which says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” this hymn celebrates the unity and love shared by believers. The opening lines declare:
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
This hymn reflects the deep connection and mutual care that characterize the family of God. Its timeless message encourages believers to cherish the bonds of fellowship and support one another in love.
Conclusion
Calling one another “brother” and “sister” is more than a tradition—it is a powerful affirmation of our identity in Christ. Rooted in the gospel, this practice reminds us of our adoption into God’s family, our unity as members of one body, and our shared inheritance as heirs of God. Through Scripture, we see how this familial language offered reassurance, belonging, and encouragement to early believers, just as it does today.
In a world often marked by division and isolation, the simple act of addressing one another as “brother” or “sister” reflects the love and unity that should define the Church. As we embrace this practice, let us be reminded of our common spiritual heritage and our calling to live as one in Christ. Together, as brothers and sisters, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel and the beauty of God’s family.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
