Thessalonian Letters
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things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into
the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”
The work of the believers had been given them by God. By their
faithful adherence to the truth they were to give to others the light
which they had received. The apostle bade them not to become weary
in well-doing, and pointed them to his own example of diligence in
temporal matters while laboring with untiring zeal in the cause of
Christ. He reproved those who had given themselves up to sloth and
aimless excitement, and directed that “with quietness they work, and
eat their own bread.” He also enjoined upon the church to separate
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from their fellowship anyone who should persist in disregarding the
instruction given by God’s ministers. “Yet,” he added, “count him not
as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
This epistle also Paul concluded with a prayer that amidst life’s
toils and trials the peace of God and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
might be their consolation and support.
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