2 Thessalonians 3 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us — that the Lord’s message would spread rapidly and be honored, just like it was with you.

And pray that we’d be rescued from twisted and harmful people — because not everyone trusts the message.

But the Lord is faithful — he’ll strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

We’re confident in the Lord about you — that you’re doing what we’re telling you, and that you’ll keep doing it.

And may the Lord direct your hearts toward God’s love and The One’s endurance.

Now we’re instructing you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus The One: stay away from any brother or sister who lives an undisciplined life and doesn’t follow the pattern we passed on to you.

You already know how you should follow our example. We weren’t undisciplined when we were with you,

and we didn’t eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, we worked hard — day and night — laboring and grinding so we wouldn’t be a financial burden on any of you.

It’s not that we don’t have the right to be supported — we absolutely do. But we wanted to give you a model to follow.

In fact, when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If someone refuses to work, they don’t get to eat."

We’re saying this because we hear that some of you are living undisciplined lives — not busy working, but busy being busybodies.

People like that — we’re instructing and urging them in the Lord Jesus The One — settle down, do your own work, and earn your own food.

As for the rest of you, brothers and sisters — don’t get tired of doing what’s right.

If anyone doesn’t follow what we’re saying in this letter, take note of that person and stop associating with them — so they’ll feel the weight of it.

But don’t treat them like an enemy — warn them like you would a brother or sister.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

This greeting is in my own handwriting — Paul. This is how I sign every letter. This is what my handwriting looks like.

The undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus The One be with all of you.