Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
Truth to Learn
As you travel through this life, follow God’s directions.
Behind the Words
“Direct” is translated from the Greek verb kateuthenō. This is a compound word made up of kata, used as an intensifier and euthunō, which means “to make straight.” This is a nautical term which means “to steer a ship in the proper direction.” It is expressed here in the optative mood, indicating action that may or may not be occurring currently, but that could occur.
The word translated “love” is agapē, which refers to the kind of self-sacrificing love that is part of God’s very nature.
“Patience” is from the word hupomone, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and a form of the verb menō, meaning “to remain” or “to stay in place.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load instead of shaking it off. It is often translated as “patience” or “steadfastness.”
Meaning Explained
Throughout this Bible study series we have been highlighting the fact that the Christian life is a journey. It’s a journey along the pathway of life, full of twists and turns, rocky places and smooth places, steep hills and peaceful valleys, firm ground and slippery, mucky ground. There are also many places where the pathway splits, presenting us multiple options for which way to go. Throughout our travels, the most comforting and reassuring fact is that we are not on this journey alone. We have a Guide who has walked these paths before, a Comforter and Encourager who knows where every path leads, who knows what pitfalls are coming long before we fall into them. The best thing of all is the fact that our guide wants us to walk with Him and follow His lead.
But – He is not a dictator who forces us to take the right path; He simply directs in a quiet manner and leaves it up to us to follow His lead or not. He even allows us to step off the pathway and “do our own thing,” even though He knows that our choices will sometimes bring us trouble and heartache. And, when we take a wrong turn, getting lost or mired in the mud, He gently teaches us the error of our way and welcomes us back with loving, open arms.
This is what Paul’s prayer in today’s verse is all about. He prays to our loving, heavenly Guide, asking Him to direct our hearts. But notice what the destination is. He doesn’t ask God to direct us to peace and safety. That will come at the end of our journey, to be sure. Instead, Paul prays that God will direct our hearts into the self-sacrificing love that is part of who God is. Notice that this destination is not one which is focused on us, but on others. As the Apostle John says in 1 John 4:7, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God.”
The other destination that Paul prays about is “the patience of Christ.” Sometimes God directs us onto difficult pathways so that we might grow and become more Christ-like. This is not a punishment, but a proving ground put in our path to teach us patience.
Application
Hang in there, my friend. When difficulties arise, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have done something wrong. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and grow into the image of Christ.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved