Dwelling in the Word: Yoked to Christ, Working in Love

2 Thessalonians 3:6–13 (with Matthew 11:28–30 as support)

2 Thessalonians 3:6–13 (NRSVUE)

(6) Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. (7) For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, (8) and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. (9) This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. (10) For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.” (11) For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. (12) Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (13) Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

Reflection:

Sometimes life feels like one long to-do list. We rush from one thing to the next, convinced that if we just keep moving, we’re being faithful. But there’s a difference between being busy and being about the Lord’s work.

Paul wrote to a community that had lost that sense of rhythm. Some had grown restless, filling their days with chatter and distraction. Others had simply stopped showing up for what mattered most. Into that mix, he reminds them gently, “Do not grow weary in doing what is right.”

And then, we hear Jesus’ words echo softly across time, “Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Maybe those two voices aren’t saying different things at all.

Maybe they’re both calling us back to a life that’s balanced — steady, faithful, and anchored in something deeper than the noise.

It’s not about doing more. It’s about moving in step with the One who calls us.

When we do, even the hard work becomes holy work.

Instructions for Dwelling in the Word

A spiritual practice for not just reading the Bible but drawing meaning from it

Find a quiet space where you can take a few slow, steady breaths. Read the passage aloud if you can — slowly, maybe even twice.

Afterward, sit with these reflection questions:

What kind of work in my life feels life-giving — and what kind leaves me drained?

Where am I mistaking busyness for faithfulness?

What burden have I been carrying alone that I could bring to Christ?

How might I rediscover a pace that’s sustainable, prayerful, and grounded in love?

Let the Spirit speak in the silence between those questions. Where does the spirit draw your attention in the passage? Sit with it and see how God moves through those words. Don’t rush to fix or answer. Just notice what rises up.

This Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at The Reformed Church, we’ll keep dwelling in this passage together — learning how to move from busybodies to burden-bearers, from running on empty to walking in rhythm with Christ.

Come as you are, whether weary or restless, and find rest for your soul.

We’ll save you a seat at the table — open, welcoming, and filled with love first, always.