Bible verse
Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 · BSB
The verses around it, from 2 Thessalonians 3.
5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,
8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
9 Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
10 For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
11 Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.
12 We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
13 But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.
KJV
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
ASV
not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
ERV
not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
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Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible, which is free of copyright restrictions for use on websites. Read the full Bible on Great Faith.