October 06 2026

October 06 Tuesday

2 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Don’t Grow Weary in Doing Good

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Yesterday we looked at 2 Thessalonians 3:6–10 under the title, “A Faith That Works.” Paul reminded the believers in Thessalonica that the Christian life should be marked by responsibility, diligence, and a willingness to work. Today he continues that thought, but then he closes this section with an encouragement that I think all of us need from time to time.

Listen to 2 Thessalonians 3:11–13: “For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”

Paul says that some of the believers were “not working at all, but are busybodies.” There is an interesting contrast here. They weren’t busy taking care of their own responsibilities, but they were very busy involving themselves in everybody else’s business! Instead of being busy, they had become busybodies. Apparently, some of these believers had stopped working. Perhaps their excitement about the return of Christ had caused them to think there was no reason to continue with their normal responsibilities. But Paul had already made it clear that waiting for Jesus to return does not mean that we stop living responsibly.

In fact, the opposite should be true. If we really believe Jesus could come again, we ought to want to be found faithfully doing what He has given us to do. Paul tells these believers in verse 12 to “work in quietness and eat their own bread.” I like that phrase—“work in quietness.” There is something beautiful about a Christian who simply goes about his or her responsibilities faithfully, without demanding attention or recognition. They get up each day, do what needs to be done, care for their family, fulfill their responsibilities, serve the Lord, help others, and quietly live out their faith. Not everyone who serves God faithfully will stand behind a pulpit. Not everyone will have their name recognized. Not everyone will receive applause. But God sees every act of faithfulness.

And then Paul turns from those who were refusing to work to those who were faithfully doing what was right. He says in verse 13: “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.” What an encouraging word! Because the truth is, sometimes doing good can become tiring. You can become tired of helping people. You can become tired of serving. You can become tired of giving. You can become tired of encouraging someone who never seems to change. You can become tired of praying for something when the answer hasn't come. You can even become tired of doing the right thing when it seems that nobody notices.

But Paul says, “Do not grow weary in doing good.” The same thought appears in Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Sometimes we don't see the results immediately. But that doesn't mean God isn't working. A kind word may accomplish something you never see. A prayer may be answered long after you have prayed it. A testimony may influence someone years later. A faithful Sunday School teacher may never know how many lives were changed. A mother or father may wonder whether all those years of teaching and praying made any difference. A pastor may preach God's Word faithfully and sometimes wonder whether anybody is really listening.

But God says, “Do not grow weary in doing good.” After more than fifty years in ministry, I can tell you that there have been many times when I didn't see immediately what God was doing. But through the years, I have had people come back and tell me something I said or something I preached years earlier had made a difference in their lives. Many times I didn't even remember saying it. But God did.

And that reminds me of something important: We are responsible for the faithfulness. God is responsible for the results. Maybe today you are tired. Maybe you have been doing good for a long time and you're wondering whether it matters. My Friend, keep going. Keep praying. Keep serving. Keep loving. Keep encouraging. Keep doing what is right. And keep being faithful to whatever God has placed before you today. Because no act of obedience done for the Lord is ever wasted.

Jesus is coming again. And until He does, may He find us faithfully, quietly, and consistently doing the work He has given us to do. “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”

Let's pray. Father, thank You for reminding us today that our faith should be demonstrated by the way we live and the way we serve. Help us to work quietly and faithfully at whatever You have given us to do. And Lord, when we become tired or discouraged, help us not to grow weary in doing good. Remind us that You see every act of faithfulness, every prayer, every kindness, and every sacrifice made for You. Help us to remain faithful until the day Jesus comes. In His precious name we pray, Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!