"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."  - John 13:34-35

    Over the course of our walk in the Gospel, the Lord puts in our way many friends and foes.   When we meet those we have agreement with, we recognize them as fellow heirs and travellers on our way to the Celestial City of Heaven.  And part of our recognition of them is to love them as well as affectionally refer to them as "brother" and "sister."  This is symbolic of an acceptance that we are fellow heirs in the Gospel, and not one to be taken lightly.  These names should only be reserved for those who truly are elect children of God and those who have passed from darkness into light.  For some people I know though, their conscience struggles with a fear that they are inaccurate in their estimation of other people, and so they are very sparing with their affectionate embracement of others.  

    So that leads us to an important question?  What about those people who we're not sure about?  Do we embrace them as brethren?  What about those that seem to express Gospel knowledge, but aren't very articulate in their faith?  What about those who can't articulate Gospel knowledge properly for the most ardent of free grace believers?  Do we reserve the name "brother" and "sister" for only those we are 100% absolutely sure about, or are we fast and loose and call anyone who comes in the name of Christ as "brother?" 

    Scott Richardson had an old saying, "If I don't get you in Christ, I'll get you in Adam."  Meaning, he can't be wrong if he affectionately refers to someone as his brother.  And if we are wrong, it's not an earth shattering error!  We are all members of the human race, and our kindness should not just extend to others of the household of fellowship, but we are to be kind and be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18).  Now I'm not suggesting we should walk up to everyone we meet and call them "brother," but if we do it's not going to hurt anything.  I think this is something each person should think about carefully.  On one hand, we don't want to contribute to people having a false assurance  And on the other hand we don't want to withhold our love and affectionate embracement from those whom the Lord has bought.  But for me, if someone comes to me confessing Christ, showing an interest in what I consider to be the Gospel, I will embrace them.  I'm not going to nitpick at this person's confession as some might.  So if I am to err, I think I would prefer to err on the side of improperly embracing an unbeliever as a brother or sister instead of failing to love and embrace one of God's own.  Every man has to decide for himself what that line is for him.  The Holy Spirit puts it on the hearts of His people this love and concern.

    So which error is more grievous? Good question.  For me, if I am to err, may that always be on the side of love!