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2 Thessalonians 3 (ESV)
Pray for Us
3 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Warning Against Idleness
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor, we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 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, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Benediction
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
How is your sense of peace right now?
God of Peace, today I pray that you help me to overcome evil with good. Give me wisdom and perseverance so that I may know to do the right things. Help me to be actively productive in all areas of my life where I am able. Help me not be idle and expectant of others to pick up my portion of duties when I am capable of doing so. As I work and achieve things it makes me feel invested, engaged and accomplished. I want to be engaged in Your kingdom and an active partner with all those who believe and serve You. I want to be connected with others by praying for one another when we are separated. I pray to You for Your grace, but also place my trust and confidence in Your grace, and humbly expect what I pray for. It encourages me to depend upon Your grace especially in these evil and uncertain times. You are the Lord of peace and peace comes from You. I need nothing more to make me safe and happy, nor can I desire anything better for myself, my family, church, and friends, than to have Your gracious presence with us. It is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we may comfortably hope to have peace with You and enjoy Your presence. Lord, let Your grace and peace be a guide in my life to guard me in the things that I do, and comfort me in every condition that I may be in. May the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen