2 Corinthians 4
1Therefore, because we have this commission through the mercy shown to us, we do not lose heart. 2Instead, we have renounced the shameful things hidden from view; we do not conduct ourselves with unprincipled cunning or tamper with the word of God. Rather, by the open demonstration of the truth, we present ourselves to every human conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our good news is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing. 4In their case, the god of this current age has blinded the minds of those without faith, to keep them from seeing the light of the good news of the glory of Christ, who is the living image of God. 5For we do not herald ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. 6For the God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” is the one who has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7But we have this treasure in earthenware jars, so that the extraordinary nature of the power may be from God and not from us. 8We are hard-pressed in every way, but not crushed; we are at a loss, but not driven to despair; 9we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are struck down, but not destroyed. 10We are always carrying around the dying of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our body. 11For we who live are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our mortal flesh. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
13Since we have the same spirit of trust according to what is written—“I trusted, therefore I spoke”—we also trust, and therefore we speak. 14We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and bring us into his presence along with you. 15For all this is for your sake, so that as grace overflows through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For this momentary, light pressure is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is beyond all comparison. 18We do not focus on the things that are seen, but on the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal.