'Dear' in the Bible

I'm not writing this to make you feel ashamed, 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.

And so, my dear friends, keep on running away from idolatry.

Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that the work that you do for the Lord isn't wasted.