2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
⁶ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

Oh that verse 10 were to be put to instituted as part of receiving welfare benefits.  I have been unemployed for almost a year now and I would gladly like a job that will allow me to pay my own bills and feed my family.  But these verses are not speaking of the unemployed through no fault of their own.  These verses speak of the moochers within the church.  The early church met every day.  They shared a meal.  Those that had brought food to share.  Some people showed up at these meals with nothing but an appetite.  Not because they had nothing or could not do something, but because they took advantage of the loving care of their brothers and sisters.  We are commanded to stay away from them.  I think one could also infer that churches that run a food pantry should turn these freeloaders away.

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹² Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

When one has nothing to do, it's amazing how critical they become of the ones doing the work.  Get busy.  Earn you keep.

¹³ And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

When in school I could not stand teachers that punished the entire class for the actions of a few.  Rarely if ever were that correct actions of students recognized.  Here Paul takes time to do just that.  If you are doing good, continue.  Don't quit because of what you see failing around you.  Do what is right because it is right.

¹⁴ Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. ¹⁵ Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
  
This is not easy.  But some church shunning aides in bringing fellow believers to repentance.  When a brother or sister in Christ refuses to follow the Word of God, we should warn them.  And then refuse to associate with them until they repent.  This does not mean we kick them our to church, but I think it does mean we don't have them over for football.  I'd encourage all of you to earnestly pray for God's guidance as you apply this.

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
¹⁷ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.
¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Paul wrote this letter himself.  I've been taught that he usually dictated his letters. It believed he had poor eyesight.  I just sent verse 16 to a friend who is having a very busy weekend and potentially an emotional one.  I encourage you as you find verses that bless you to share them with someone else.  Who knows, you too may end up writing a blog. ;-)

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen