16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Paul is praying at all of them will have peace all the time in all settings and situations. But what is it that brings him to this blessing? Let's back up and look at the verses before:
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
There will be peace, Paul says, as long as you are giving toward one another, and d not disobey what we say. What was it that Paul had instructed them in the verses before? Do not disturb the peace by being busybodies. If you want to get your nose into one another's business, find ways to be generous to them. Work hard so you have something to give. Peace is not something you can just pluck out of mid-air. It is the result of trusting God, living out the creativity He has given you, and finding ways He can bless others through you. Don't blame others for disturbing your peace; be an active proponent for peace by loving others.
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