Paul asked the Thessalonians to imitate his action of

Paul asked the Thessalonians to imitate his action of working for his personal upkeep. In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, Paul says, "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you." In other words, Paul didn't demand support from his converts or eat their food without paying for it. Instead, he worked hard day and night to support himself and not be a burden on the Thessalonians. This was an example of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility that Paul wanted the Thessalonians to emulate.