2 Thessalonians 3:6-11 - Discernment

Scripture:

2 Thessalonians 3:6-11
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,
8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept  working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you;
9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.
11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.
NASU


Thoughts:

As Christians, saved by God's grace, we sometimes can find it hard to exercise discernment.  We may see someone in what would be obvious sin to an unbiased observer, but we struggle to call it such.

Here, Paul simply assumes that the Thessalonians will practice discernment.  When they see a brother or sister in Christ, leading an unruly life, they are to avoid them (verse 6).  Paul further depicts these individuals as lazy and busybodies (verse 11), even looking for free meals from others (verse 10).

This seems cruel to us to avoid someone.  However, Paul's intention seems to be to protect the Christians from poor influences, and even from being manipulated.  It's an odd fact that some will work as hard or harder to get what they need illegitimately, than they would if they simply worked an honest job. 


Prayer:

Lord, give me discernment, even with regards to other Christians.  Keep me from falling victim to those who might wish to prey upon my compassion as a Christian.  To misuse it for their selfish benefit.

I thank You that even if I am fooled occasionally, You are never fooled.  I'm so glad that You have compassion for me, even when this occurs.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.