Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
Paul is not afraid to use strong words, but he still maintains a posture of humility. Early in verse six, Paul uses the word “command.” This strong, instructional term is of military origin.* Coupled with the phrase, “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Paul is evoking the highest authority in the universe.* Paul is not messing around. Can you imagine telling your children, “I command you to clean your room!”?? Can you imagine some member of leadership in your community commanding you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to change some action in your life? Paul is very serious about whatever is going on in the Church of Thessalonica (more on that in a later devotional).
Nestled in the middle of these strong words, Paul reminds the Church of Thessalonica of their relationship with him: brothers. Paul’s use of the term “brother” is inclusive of sisters as well, and it serves as a reminder of the familial relationship of the church as the family of God.* Paul wants the Thessalonians to remember that his words come not from a distant, lording superior, but as an affectionate reminder from family, though strongly spoken.*
How many times do we shirk away from saying what needs to be said because we are afraid that we will sound mean or unkind? Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are important. Empathy and understanding are important vehicles of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. But, truth is truth and we are called as followers of Jesus to walk in His ways.
Maintaining a posture of humility and equality under Christ must serve as the bedrock of every difficult conversation we must have. Imagine if Paul did not function in his role and correct the Church when needed? We would not have the New Testament as we know it. Imagine if the Church in Thessalonica did not receive that correction. Where would they be? Would 2 Thessalonians even exist?
Remembering that we are brothers and sisters can help us receive and give correction when needed. Remembering this will help us as the Church to walk in the ways of Christ while not carrying offense. Good correction is never fun, but it’s always important.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to humbly remind someone under your care or leadership that there is a better way to walk in Jesus. Perhaps today there is some correction that God has given you through someone else that He wants you to receive. Maybe today God wants you to remember that despite the imperfections of us all, we are the family of God.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.
Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!
*Holmes, M. (1998). 1 and 2 Thessalonians (pp. 268–272). Zondervan Publishing House.
Holmes, M. (1998). 1 and 2 Thessalonians (pp. 272–273). Zondervan Publishing House.
Shogren, G. S. (2012). 1 & 2 Thessalonians (pp. 324–325). Zondervan.
Green, G. L. (2002). The letters to the Thessalonians (pp. 343–345). W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos.
Kim, S., & Bruce, F. F. (2023). 1 & 2 Thessalonians (D. B. Capes, Ed.; Second Edition, Vol. 45, pp. 651–656). Zondervan Academic.
Kim, S., & Bruce, F. F. (2023). 1 & 2 Thessalonians (D. B. Capes, Ed.; Second Edition, Vol. 45, pp. 657–660). Zondervan Academic.
Morris, L. (1984). 1 and 2 Thessalonians: An introduction and commentary (Vol. 13, pp. 140–141). InterVarsity Press.
Beale, G. K. (2003). 1–2 Thessalonians (pp. 248–254). InterVarsity Press.
Weima, J. A. D. (2014). Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–2 Thessalonians (R. W. Yarbrough & R. H. Stein, Eds.; pp. 601–606). Baker Academic.