Pray for Us

1In 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,a 2and that we may be delivereda from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith.A 3But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.a 4We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.a

Warning against Irresponsible Behavior

6Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the namea of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sisterb who is idle and does not liveA according to the traditionc receivedd from us. 7For you yourselves know how you should imitatea us: We were not idle among you; 8we did not eata anyone’s food free of charge;b instead, we laboredc and toiled,d workinge night and day, so that we would not be a burdenf to any of you. 9It is not that we don’t have the righta to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitateb us. 10In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”a 11For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.a 12Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves.A 13But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow wearya in doing good.

14If 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. 15Yet don’t consider him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Final Greetings

16May the Lord of peacea himself give you peace always in every way.b The Lord be with all of you.c 17I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand,a which is an authenticating mark in every letter; this is how I write. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.