2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (NRSV)
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. Verse 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, Verse 8and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. Verse 9This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. Verse 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. Verse 11For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Verse 12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Verse 13Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
Devotion
“Do not be weary in doing what is right.” We all need to hear that. Doing what is right in a world that seems to have lost its moral center is challenging and even unpopular at times. Those who lie, cheat, and claw their way to the top act at the expense of trampling on those below. For some, irresponsible living becomes normative behavior. What a great way to live!
And that’s exactly Paul’s point. That’s not the way to live, nor how we live out our faith. Because of Christ, we need not spend our days idle in anticipation of what’s to come. We have been given hope and an example to follow: Jesus Christ. We are on God’s mission team and get to do the work of Christ amidst, and despite, the brokenness of humanity. God’s work. Our hands. Do not be weary in doing what is right!
Prayer
Dear Jesus, our world seems to be falling apart. Fostering good relationships, being kind to one another, and helping those who are marginalized is constantly challenged. Keep us centered in your love and faithfulness. Let us never grow weary in doing what is right for your sake, for the sake of one another, and for the sake of the entire world. Amen.
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