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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,^{(C1) 2} and that we may be delivered^(C1) from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith.^{(F1) 3} But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen and guard you from the evil one.^{(C1) 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.^(C1)

Warning against Irresponsible Behavior

⁶ Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name^(C1) of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister^(C2) who is idle and does not live according to the tradition^(C3) received^(C4) from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you should imitate^(C1) us: We were not idle among you; ⁸ we did not eat^(C1) anyone’s food free of charge;^(C2) instead, we labored^(C3) and toiled,^(C4) working^(C5) night and day, so that we would not be a burden^(C6) to any of you. ⁹ It is not that we don’t have the right^(C1) to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate^(C2) 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.”^{(C1) 11} For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.^{(C1) 12} Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves.^{(F1) 13} But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary^(C1) 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^(C1) himself give you peace always in every way.^(C2) The Lord be with all of you.^{(C3) 17} I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand,^(C1) 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.