2 Thessalonians 3:13
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Thessalonians 3:13
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to read "do not grow weary in doing good" as simply a call to persevere, but the Greek word Paul uses actually carries a deeper sense of being discouraged or tired out from good deeds. He's acknowledging that doing good can be draining, and he's directly addressing that weariness, not just telling them to keep going.
Paul is addressing a specific problem in Thessalonica: some believers were loafing around, expecting others to carry their weight while claiming to be spiritual. He's just told them to stop associating with those who refuse to work and instead treat them as a brother to be corrected. This verse is Paul's gentle but firm encouragement to the faithful within that community, urging them not to become discouraged or give up their own good deeds because of the actions of others.
Ever feel like you're running on empty, even when doing the right thing? Paul gets it.
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, acknowledges a real struggle: the exhaustion that can come from consistently choosing good. It's not a sign of weakness, but a reality of living a life committed to God's ways in a challenging world.
Why We Get Weary
Paul's word here isn't a harsh command but a gentle encouragement born from understanding.
Paul doesn't just diagnose weariness; he prescribes a powerful antidote.
The core of Paul's message is a call to persevere. The Greek word he uses implies a steady, unwavering commitment, a refusal to be swayed by difficulties or discouragement.
What 'Doing Good' Looks Like
This isn't about earning salvation, but about living out the transformed life we have in Christ, day by day.
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
The Greek word 'adelphoi' refers to members of the same family or, in the New Testament, fellow believers in the church. It denotes a bond of spiritual kinship and mutual love established through faith in Christ.
kalopoieō · Greek Verb phrase
In a biblical context, 'doing good' refers to performing actions that align with God’s will, benefit others, and reflect the character of Christ. It is a persistent expression of faith and love in the life of the believer.
This passage echoes the call not to grow weary, specifically warning against quitting when the task of doing good becomes difficult, highlighting the importance of perseverance.
Hebrews 12:3It offers a powerful perspective shift, reminding us to consider Jesus' endurance through suffering to avoid growing weary and fainting in our own spiritual battles.
1 Corinthians 15:58This verse provides a strong encouragement to be firm, steadfast, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing our efforts are not in vain, which directly combats weariness in doing good.
Romans 12:12It calls believers to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer, all attitudes that are essential for sustaining the effort required to do good without becoming discouraged.
It's easy to read "do not grow weary in doing good" as simply a call to persevere, but the Greek word Paul uses actually carries a deeper sense of being discouraged or tired out from good deeds. He's acknowledging that doing good can be draining, and he's directly addressing that weariness, not just telling them to keep going.
Paul is addressing a specific problem in Thessalonica: some believers were loafing around, expecting others to carry their weight while claiming to be spiritual. He's just told them to stop associating with those who refuse to work and instead treat them as a brother to be corrected. This verse is Paul's gentle but firm encouragement to the faithful within that community, urging them not to become discouraged or give up their own good deeds because of the actions of others.
Paul is addressing a specific problem in Thessalonica: some believers were loafing around, expecting others to carry their weight while claiming to be spiritual. He's just told them to stop associating with those who refuse to work and instead treat them as a brother to be corrected. This verse is Paul's gentle but firm encouragement to the faithful within that community, urging them not to become discouraged or give up their own good deeds because of the actions of others.
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"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." — It's easy to read "do not grow weary in doing good" as simply a call to persevere, but the Greek word Paul uses actually carries a deeper sense of being discouraged or tired out from good deeds.…