May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.
God Himself must direct the heart into His love, and He does this not by violence but by sweet, powerful direction that leaves the will free. Our love, even when sincere, grows cold and needs constant rekindling; we are ships well-rigged but always in need of a pilot, for the world and the flesh pull our affections another way.
AI summary
Paul prayed they would possess the patience of Christ, that same steadfast endurance He showed in His trials. They were suffering persecution and needed to look to the Saviour, the great example, and copy His patient strength through their own afflictions.
AI summary
Love of God and waiting for Christ are the two things needful for progress toward perfection. Patience in waiting for the Redeemer sustains us in this present warfare; it teaches us to despise the world, mortify the flesh, and endure the cross until He comes.
AI summary