2 Thessalonians 3
Pray for Us
Finally, brothers, apray for us, that bthe word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and athat we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For bnot all have faith. 3 But athe Lord is faithful. He will establish you and bguard you against cthe evil one. 4 And awe have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord adirect your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Warning Against Idleness
6 Now we command you, brothers, ain the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, bthat you keep away from any cbrother dwho is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know ahow you ought to imitate us, because bwe were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but awith toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was anot because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves ban example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: aIf anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you awalk in idleness, not busy at work, but bbusybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
13 As for you, brothers, ado not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and ahave nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 aDo not regard him as an enemy, but bwarn him as a brother.
Benediction
16 Now may athe Lord of peace himself bgive you peace at all times in every way. cThe Lord be with you all.
17 I, Paul, write athis greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 aThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
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