are doing, and will do, what we command.
003:005 And may the Lord guide your hearts into the love of God
and into the patience of Christ.
003:006 But, by the authority of the Lord, we command you, brethren, to stand
aloof from every brother whose life is disorderly and not
in accordance with the teaching which all received from us.
003:007 For you yourselves know that it is your duty to follow our example.
There was no disorder in our lives among you,
003:008 nor did we eat any one's bread without paying for it, but we
laboured and toiled, working hard night and day in order
not to be a burden to any of you.
003:009 This was not because we had not a claim upon you, but it arose
from a desire to set you an example--for you to imitate us.
003:010 For even when we were with you, we laid down this rule for you:
"If a man does not choose to work, neither shall he eat."
003:011 For we hear that there are some of you who live disorderly
lives and are mere idle busybodies.
003:012 To persons of that sort our injunction--and our command
by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ--is that they are
to work quietly and eat their own honestly-earned bread.
003:013 But you, brethren, must not grow weary in the path of duty;
003:014 and if any one refuses to obey these our written instructions,
mark that man and hold no communication with him--
so that he may be made to feel ashamed.
003:015 And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but caution him
as a brother.
003:016 And may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace
in every sense. The Lord be with you all.
003:017 I Paul add the greeting with my own hand, which is the credential
in every letter of mine.