What an interesting
juxtaposition! Here is a verse that
tells us to direct our hearts to "the love of God and the patience of
Christ". Then it goes on to tell us
to withdraw support and shun certain people.
It also tells us to withdraw charity from some but not others.
There are many who
would argue that those actions don't reflect the "love of God". I would disagree. Just as with any good parent, God's
discipline does not reflect a lack of love in my opinion. Make sense?
I especially love the way the verse makes the distinction between can't
work and won't work.
2 Thessalonians 3:5-18(NKJV)
Now may the Lord direct your
hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
But we command you,
brethren, in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly
and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
For you yourselves
know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;
nor did we eat
anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day,
that we might not be a burden to any of you,
not because we do
not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow
us.
For even when we were with you, we
commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
For we hear that there are some who
walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are
busybodies.
Now those who are such we command
and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat
their own bread.
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
And if anyone does not obey our word
in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that
he may be ashamed.
Yet do not
count him as an enemy, but
admonish him as a brother.
Now may the Lord of
peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
The salutation of
Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.
The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.
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