Busybodies

 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
2 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/2th.3.12.ESV

'Such persons' are busybodies. These are people who don't mind their own businesses. They're lax in their own work, but nosy about other people's affairs.

Paul didn't mince his words with busybodies. They are commanded to get on with their own work and provide for themselves. There's no room for busybodies in God's Kingdom, so if we have that tendency, we need to sort ourselves out.

I like how Paul doesn't just command. In case he comes on too strong, he also 'encourages'. This is the carrot to the commanding stick!

Keeping our heads down and getting on with our own works is a good thing. We're to focus on providing for ourselves and our dependants, and ideally having enough to be generous to those in need. We mustn't get distracted by poking our noses into other people's businesses.

'O Lord, please forgive any busybody tendencies we might have. May we honour You in our lives, for the glory of Your name, amen'

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