We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you.We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.Even while we were with you, we gave you this command:“ Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.