'Dear' in the Bible

I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.

That's why I sent Timothy to you. He is my dear and dependable son in the Lord and will help you remember how I live for the Messiah Jesus as I teach everywhere in every church.

Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.

Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.