This does not commend improper interference in others’ affairs in the manner of busybodies (see 2 Thess. 3:11; 1 Tim. 5:13; 1 Peter 4:15), but the welfare of others should not be ignored. Paul’s counsel is designed to remove the narrow spirit of selfishness and to produce a benevolent regard for the happiness of our fellows.
Christians have a particular responsibility for the spiritual welfare of others. If a man is spiritually blind and will not come to the Master, it is no more meddling to attempt to lead him to the Saviour than it is to warn a man on a dark night of a dangerous precipice ahead or to arouse one from sleep to tell him his house is on fire. If he is unaware of the approaching return of the Saviour, it is no improper interference to tell him of that soon-coming event. It is no more being a busybody to tell him of a glorious heaven that may be his than it is to tell him of a gold mine on his farm. It is for the man’s own interest, and it is the office of a friend to teach him or to remind him of these things. The world is dependent on the church for information about the life to come, and everyone who loves Christ will love his neighbors enough to seek to enlighten them, to lead them to the Saviour, and to aid their preparation for His soon return.
Also.
Paul’s inclusion of this word shows that he expects Christians to pay proper attention to their own affairs, and also to the needs of others.
His own things.
Paul is urging Christians not to be selfish, not to let their attention be wholly absorbed by their own concerns of their own families. He bids them show a tender care for the happiness of the whole group and a self-forgetful solicitude for the welfare of others. No one is at liberty to try to live solely for himself or to disregard the needs of others.
Look.
Gr. skopeō, “to look attentively” (see on Rom. 16:17).