2 Corinthians 5
I’m enduring Paul’s letters today. I confess I largely endure them, something I’m sure I could improve my attitude and perspective on. Why, I wonder? Of course, every now and then Paul is so lovely and says something so nicely that I don’t mind the abrasiveness. Today I have enjoyed him. Here are some especially fetching sentences from 2 Corinthians 5:
“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. … We live by faith, not by sight. … Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. … If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us… So from now on regard no one from a worldly point of view. … If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come! … God [is] reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. … We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. … I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Now is the day for lots of things, of course, but surely this is the most important thing to grasp. So I keep challenging myself to live by faith, and not by sight. Again, and again. “Do not forget!” I tell myself. “For He has surely not forgotten you.” I do love Him for that.
Faith and Sight 