Pray for Us
1 In addition, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, s 2 and that we may be delivered t from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith. I 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. u 4 We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance. v
Warning against Irresponsible Behavior
6 Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name w of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister x who is idle and does not live according to the tradition y received z from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you should imitate a us: We were not idle among you; 8 we did not eat b anyone’s food free of charge; c instead, we labored d and toiled, e working f night and day, so that we would not be a burden g to any of you. 9 It is not that we don’t have the right h to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate i us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” j 11 For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies. k 12 Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves. J 13 But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary l in doing good.
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet don’t consider him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Final Greetings
16 May the Lord of peace m himself give you peace always in every way. n The Lord be with all of you. o 17 I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand, p which is an authenticating mark in every letter; this is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.