“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”– 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
“For we live by believing and not by seeing.”– 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)
“It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going.”– 2 Corinthians 5:7 (MSG)
What Does 2 Corinthians 5:7 Mean?
This powerful verse, nestled in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, strikes at the heart of what it means to live as a Christian. Here, Paul is speaking about the life of faith that each believer is called to. When we consider what it means to walk by faith and not by sight, we’re encouraged to rely on our spiritual understanding instead of the physical world around us. Our sight is limited; what we see can often mislead us. But our faith in God, though often unseen, lays down firm foundations that guide our every step in our journey.
Walking by faith means we trust God’s plans even when we cannot see them. Picture a child holding the hand of a parent, confident and secure, even when they are led through unfamiliar paths. This is the kind of trust we are invited to have. We might not understand everything happening around us, but faith assures us that God is in control. The theme of faith versus sight invites us to consider how we rely more on our physical senses and less on the spiritual truths revealed in God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 5:7 Explanation and Commentary
In this part of the letter, Paul emphasizes a distinct way of living that contrasts with the worldly standards. It is essential that we recognize the implications of this verse in our daily lives. Living by faith transforms our approach to situations. Instead of perceiving through our limited human senses, we find assurance and strength in God’s promises. When confronting trials, setbacks, or uncertain futures, we can refer to God’s Word for consolation and guidance. A notable example is the story of Abraham, who left his homeland trusting God to lead him somewhere better, despite not knowing the final destination (Genesis 12:1-4). His faith wasn’t based on sight but on the trust that God would provide and protect.
Walking by faith means acknowledging the unseen forces at play in our lives. We are called to hold tightly to hope in God’s character and His promises, just as it says in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Thus, faith empowers us in moments of doubt and uncertainty. It prompts us to take steps in our spiritual journey that others might not understand, while also fostering deep-rooted resilience within us. We may not see immediate results or answers, but this walk is about the journey we undertake with God along the way.
Furthermore, embracing faith allows us to live with a purpose that transcends our immediate circumstances. Collectively, as a church, we can gather and encourage one another in pursuing faith over sight. We must remind each other that God’s plan often unfolds in miraculous ways that defy our understanding. So, when we walk together in faith, we not only support our individual beliefs but also strengthen our community.
In the world, we can quickly become distracted by chaos and noise. But faith compels us to “look” beyond that. It reassures us that we are never alone, cultivating peace amidst turbulence. So when we’re faced with challenges, we are encouraged not to resort to fear or anxiety but to embrace a trust that allows God to work through us.
Context of 2 Corinthians 5:7
Understanding the context of this verse provides deeper insight into Paul’s message. The second letter to the Corinthians is widely considered one of Paul’s most personal letters. It addresses the pressures and trials faced by believers while celebrating the joy of salvation and the hope of resurrection. In the preceding chapters, Paul discusses the struggles of ministry and the afflictions they face. A cornerstone of his message is the assurance of eternal life and the promise of being with Jesus after death (2 Corinthians 5:1-6).
When Paul discusses walking by faith, he addresses the spiritual struggles among believers who may have experienced significant hardships. By reminding them of the importance of faith, he seeks to encourage them to place their trust in God despite their circumstances. This message is as relevant today as it was then, reminding us to focus on our relationship with God even amid confusion and difficulties. This insight empowers us to persist through trials, knowing that our faith helps us perceive a bigger picture.
Historically, Paul’s own life was a testimony to living by faith. He experienced prison, shipwreck, ridicule, and hardships; yet he remained steadfast. His confidence lay in the hope of eternal life — a promise that dawns brightest in dark times. By embracing the context, we can appreciate how faith provided Paul with the fortitude to face severe tribulations. This connects beautifully with the faith we are called to uphold in our own lives.
This backdrop further illumines our challenges, where we often measure success and provision by what we see around us. The call to walk by faith disrupts that notion and deepens our understanding of who we truly are in Christ—heirs of a promise that goes beyond the physical.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Corinthians 5:7
Each component of 2 Corinthians 5:7 carries immense significance. Let’s break it down further to understand its depth and application.
When Paul mentions “walking,” he illustrates a continuous action. Walking does not refer to a single step but depicts an ongoing journey. This signifies that faith is not merely a one-time decision but a daily commitment. Just like walking requires movement, so does faith – it needs to be lived out and practiced consistently.
The phrase “by faith” indicates reliance on God rather than ourselves. This component shapes our lives, suggesting that we should draw from God’s wisdom and strength. This principle leads us to reassess our priorities and how we approach life’s challenges. In a world riddled with uncertainties, adhering to our faith becomes essential, guiding us through. Faith enables us to shift our reactions to circumstances, focusing on trust rather than doubt.
The last part, “not by sight,” emphasizes the distinction between what we physically perceive and what we spiritually believe. Often, we become trapped in our perceptions, which can lead to discouragement or misjudgments. Looking beyond what we see forces us to enlarge our view, challenging us to seek spiritual insight instead of merely relying on what meets the eye. This contributes to our growth, as we continually align our mindset with God’s Word. We learn that life is a blend of trusting in the unseen along with making strides in faith.
Lessons to Learn From 2 Corinthians 5:7
As we reflect upon 2 Corinthians 5:7, several key lessons emerge that we can apply to our own lives. The first lesson is trust. Trust forms the backbone of any strong relationship, and our relationship with God is no different. By choosing to focus on faith instead of sight, we learn to trust in His character, knowing that He is good and desires the best for us. Our earthly circumstances may suggest otherwise at times, but our trust supersedes what we can see.
Secondly, resilience is cultivated within us through faith. Each time we encounter challenges, we can choose to rely on God rather than succumbing to worry or despair. From our experiences, we realize that resilience comes not from our strength but from leaning into faith. Acts of resilience reveal how we confront life’s trials. Each step of faith we take enables us to rise, empowering us to bounce back stronger. This resilience shapes our character, reflecting the strength derived from God.
Lastly, we learn the significance of community from this verse. Walking by faith is not a solo endeavor; we are called to uplift one another in our faith journeys. When we gather and encourage each other, we serve as sources of strength. Just as Paul taught the Corinthians, we can share testimonies of how faith led us through difficult seasons, spreading hope and encouragement among us. By fostering community, we remind one another that we walk together in faith — giving us strength in numbers.
Final Thoughts
Walking by faith and not by sight is an invitation to trust deeply in God. As we look at our lives, we should ask ourselves how we can shift our focus from what we observe to what we believe. We must challenge ourselves to nurture our relationship with God, understanding that reliance on Him shapes our journeys. By embracing faith as our lens, we reveal the beauty of His promises, igniting the hope in our hearts.
So as we move through our daily lives, let us cling to faith knowing that God is faithful. Let’s encourage one another to resist the pull of sight-oriented living. Faith is the way we thrive; it becomes our compass guiding us through uncertainty. Accepting that we walk by faith can transform the way we approach our relationships, goals, and challenges. Let’s pick faith over sight and witness the miraculous unfold in our lives.
If this topic inspires you, we encourage you to explore more topics such as Faith in Action or Living in Hope to deepen your understanding of life’s purpose and God’s promises.