Note 13 at 2 Th. 3:14: Paul's instructions here would be highly controversial today. It has become an almost sacred belief that we are not to feel ashamed about anything, and God have mercy on any person who causes shame-this is totally unacceptable in our modern culture.

However, there are things that we should be ashamed of. Specifically, Paul is saying an able-bodied person who doesn't work but is "freeloading" should be ashamed. It should be embarrassing and humiliating to "panhandle." God did not create us to live this way.

There is a proper place for negative emotions. Our preoccupation with trying to obliterate all negative feelings has led some people to feel no shame about things that should cause shame. Homosexuality, adultery, lying, stealing, and a multitude of other things have lost much of their shame to a growing number of people. Shame and disgrace are emotions that Paul elicited to turn people to the right path.