“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
In this passage, the Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to maintain hope and perseverance in the midst of their challenges. He acknowledges that outwardly, they may be experiencing difficulties and physical decay, but inwardly, they are being renewed and transformed day by day through their relationship with Christ.
Paul contrasts the temporary nature of their present troubles with the eternal glory that awaits believers. He reminds them that their hardships, though difficult, are ultimately achieving a greater purpose. The trials they face in this life are but momentary compared to the eternal glory that will be revealed in the presence of God.
The passage concludes by urging the believers to fix their eyes on the unseen, the eternal realities of God’s kingdom, rather than being consumed by the temporary circumstances of the world. It emphasizes the importance of faith and perspective, reminding us to look beyond what is visible and temporary and to focus on the eternal promises and hope found in Christ.
Overall, this passage serves as a source of encouragement and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that their present troubles are temporary and outweighed by the eternal glory that awaits them in Christ.