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
Time and again we read in scripture that, in the Christian community, all contribute to the good of the whole. But this was not happening in the church we read about today. They were waiting for the day of the Lord’s return but, for some of them, it seems that was all they were doing - waiting! They were idle, living off the efforts of others.
In Christ we are free, but not free to do whatever we feel like. We are still responsible for doing what we can with what we have been given. Far from being a burdensome duty, Christian freedom brings a joy in serving, in giving, when it flows from the love God has given us.
What gifts has God given you for building up others? What can your community do - your church, your neighborhood, your town - to serve the larger world?
Prayer
Lord God, you have given us every good gift. Inspire us to share our gifts in this world so that all may know your love. Amen.