2 Corinthians 5:7: Living by Faith, Not by Sight
In 2 Corinthians 5:7, the apostle Paul writes, "For we live by faith, not by sight." This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or difficult.
The Context of 2 Corinthians 5:7
In the book of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, which is facing various challenges and persecutions. The church is struggling to maintain its faith and trust in God, and Paul is encouraging them to persevere and trust in God's promises.
In chapter 5, Paul is discussing the nature of the Christian life, citing the importance of living by faith rather than by what we can see or experience. He reminds the Corinthians that our true citizenship is in heaven, and that our bodies are merely temporary tents that will one day be replaced by eternal, glorified bodies.
The Meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:7
So, what does it mean to "live by faith, not by sight"? In essence, Paul is saying that as Christians, we must trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when our circumstances seem unclear or difficult.
Faith, Not Sight
When we live by faith, we are trusting in God's promises and provision, even when we can't see them with our physical eyes. We are choosing to believe that God is working everything out for our good, even when we can't understand what's happening around us.
On the other hand, when we live by sight, we are relying on our own understanding and resources to navigate life's challenges. We are trusting in what we can see and experience, rather than in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Examples of Living by Faith
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who lived by faith, even when their circumstances seemed impossible. Consider Abraham, who trusted in God's promise to give him a son, even when he was 100 years old and his wife was barren. Consider David, who trusted in God's power to defeat the giant Goliath, even when he was just a young shepherd boy.
These examples remind us that living by faith is not always easy, but it is always necessary. When we trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can face even the most daunting challenges with confidence and peace.
Conclusion
2 Corinthians 5:7 is a powerful reminder that as Christians, we must live by faith, not by sight. We must trust in God's promises and provision, even when our circumstances seem unclear or difficult. When we do, we can experience the peace and confidence that comes from knowing that God is always in control.
Application
So, how can we apply 2 Corinthians 5:7 to our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:
- Choose faith over fear: When you're faced with uncertainty or difficulty, choose to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, rather than giving in to fear or doubt.
- Focus on eternal things: Remember that our true citizenship is in heaven, and that our bodies are merely temporary tents. Focus on eternal things, rather than getting caught up in the fleeting concerns of this world.
- Trust in God's promises: Memorize and meditate on God's promises, which are found throughout the Bible. Trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even when you can't see what's happening around you.
By living by faith, not by sight, we can experience the peace, confidence, and joy that comes from trusting in God's sovereign goodness.
