In everything I did, I showed you that we must work hard and help the weak. We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, make those who have skin diseases clean again, and drive out demons. You have received freely, so give freely.
You know how generous our Lord Jesus Christ was. Even though he was rich, he became poor for your sake, so that because he became poor, you would become rich.
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to warn certain people who don’t want to work and who are being disruptive. Encourage those who have lost hope, help those who are weak, and be patient with everyone.
Keep on remembering those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and continue to remember those who are being treated badly as if you yourselves were suffering.
Anyone who used to steal must never steal again. Instead, they should work, doing something useful with their own hands, so that they will have something to share with people in need.
When I was with you and needed something, I didn’t make you pay for it. The believers who came from Macedonia provided everything I needed. I haven’t made you pay for anything at all, and I won’t ever do that.
If others have the right to receive support from you, don’t we have an even greater right? But we haven’t used that right. No, we’re prepared to make any sacrifice we have to, rather than let anything get in the way of the good news of Christ.