- For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 2 Thessalonians 3:11- Busybodies here means someone doing none of their own work, yet overdoing in the work of others. What we see Paul writing is that there were individuals in the church not doing their part. Yet it wasn’t just they weren’t fulfilling their part in the working of the church, they chose to interrupt the work of others who were trying to do their own part. For us I believe we need to see this passage as a call to do our part in the work that God is leading us to. Not only so our role is completed, but us slacking on carrying out our part interrupts the work of those around us. Maybe it’s us using that “free time” that should have been poured out into our part to cause distractions during the work of those around us. Or maybe it’s causing an interruption because those who are fulfilling their part have to cover your part as well. Either way, we are called to not be busybodies, not to interrupt the work of those around us trying to fulfill their role in God’s plan. The best way to keep ourselves from taking on the title of busybody is by being busy with the work that God has called YOU to do. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
- 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. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 – So what is this saying? To break away from anyone whoever sins? No, but it is saying for us to think about how we handle our relationships with them. The passage says if we are aware of a brother who chooses to sin and is refusing to listen to the direction given to them to change, take note of that brother. Then we need to change how we interact and do life with them. Not in a hatful way, but to show them their choice of sin has repercussions and one of those is our relationship with them will change. We still love them, still are there for them, still will be there to help them if they choose to follow Christ again, but while they are choosing sin our relationship with them can’t be what it used to be. All this is to help them be more aware their sin comes at a cost. Not to show them we are any better than them but to lovingly help them see a choice to pursue something other than Jesus will have an effect on the relationships in their story. For if we have a brother who chooses sin over Jesus and our life with them doesn’t change at all, what is that saying to them about our love for them if we truly believe sin kills and destroys? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1553
- Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – In his finishing up of his letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul asks the Lord to give this church peace at all times and in every way they need it. For we know from previous chapters and letters they were facing persecution and trials as a church. We also learn from this letter that they had individuals seeking to stir up confusion about the end times and brothers in the faith who were idle, not doing the work they ought to and just feeding off the blessing of others. This church was navigating a lot, but Paul knew that in every way they needed it and in every moment they needed it, God could bring them peace. As we navigate the stressors of our life, know our God is still able to bring peace at all times in every way. He can bring peace into the situation at work. He can bring peace in the struggle happening right now in your family. He can bring peace to your wearied mind. In every way we need peace and in every moment we need His peace, He Himself can bring to us His peace. If then you are in a time where God’s peace is needed, know I’m praying for you today, and know that His peace is available. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2779
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