For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you,
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our behavior to you believers;
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate.
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity,
not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.