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A Warning against Laziness

¹ One more thing, amigos! Keep on praying that God's message through us will be heard, just as y'all heard it and believed. Pray that the gathering of the strays happens quickly and effectively. We want as many people as possible to know the truth before it's too late. ² Also pray that we will not be defeated by those unbelievers who are hell-bent on stampeding those we've gathered. ³ But the Lord never goes back on his word. He'll give you the strength and be the one who watches your back when the evil one tries to attack. ⁴ We have no doubt in your ride for the Lord and that you will continue to ride in the ways we taught you. ⁵ Here's to the Lord making your trail straight to God's love and Christ's "never give up, never give in" attitude.

⁶ We aren't asking, we are telling you to steer clear of every believer who is either lazy or causes problems. If they don't do the job we gave all of you, ride off and don't look back. ⁷ Y'all know the way we taught y'all . . . so do it. We weren't lazy when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone's grub without earning it. We worked night and day so we wouldn't be a burden on anyone. ⁹ It wasn't that we didn't have the right to accept such things, but we worked hard so y'all would see us walking the walk, not just talking the talk. ¹⁰ Y'all even heard us say, "If you ain't willing to work, then you must be willing to have an empty stomach."

¹¹ We've heard some of you have become lazy and since you didn't have anything better to do, you've started causing problems within the crew. ¹² In the name of the Lord, we're telling you to get off your butts and earn the food you eat. ¹³ For the rest of y'all who are busting your butts day in and day out, don't ever get tired of doing the right thing, no matter how hard it is.

¹⁴ Pay attention to those who roll their eyes at what we have to say in this letter. They've made their choice not to be a part of your crew so treat 'em as such. I hope they do feel ashamed and left out. ¹⁵ I'm not saying they should be treated as enemies, but let your actions be a warning to them, not because you hate them, but because you love them.

Final Words

¹⁶ May the Lord's peace overflow within you. May you ride beside him at all times through all seasons.

¹⁷ I, Paul, write this with my own hand. Don't let anyone tell you this isn't from me. Y'all know me and how I write with truth and love.

¹⁸ May the grace of God guide your hearts and minds down every trail.