Family.
Timothy’s family was in Lystra. His spiritual family was in Ephesus, the place where he ministered. As a younger man, Paul instructs Timothy how to view those around him. Older men are to be treated as one would treat a father. Younger men like brothers. Older women like mothers. Younger women like sisters. Such a view helps us in congregational life as well. Certainly there are friendships, but largely our relationships are to exhibit certain family-like qualities. Respect for those who are older and great care for those who are younger. By this means we demonstrate the closeness of our ties and exhibit how strangers can be brought together to serve our God. We are a family. We find great purpose and comfort in that arrangement. We are all sons and daughters of God. We are spiritual brothers and sisters. Such designations do not guarantee harmony, but they do remind us that we belong together.