2 Corinthians 5:6-10
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. – 2 Corinthians 5:9
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In the earlier verses of this chapter, the apostle Paul says that our present earthly body is like living in a tent—temporary, fragile, and easily broken. But he reminds us that one day, God will give us a heavenly dwelling, an eternal, glorious body that will never decay (vv.1–5). This is not wishful thinking, but a real hope rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
Jesus has risen from the dead, and His resurrection guarantees that all who believe in Him will also rise. Death is no longer the final period of our lives—it has become the doorway to our eternal home. That’s why Paul can confidently say, “We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (v.8). For Paul, leaving this world was not about escaping hardship; it was a gospel-shaped perspective—a deep peace that comes from knowing where his true home is.
Yet our fallen nature drives us to live “by sight.” We tend to place our trust in things we can see and hold—our health, achievements, wealth, or the approval of others. These things give us a sense of security, but it never lasts. When our bodies weaken, work falters, or relationships break apart, we feel anxious, empty, and lost.
Those who “walk by faith,” however, live differently. They know that Jesus has already borne the curse of sin and death on the cross. His resurrection declares a new reality—death has been defeated, and our lives now have an eternal home. The Holy Spirit dwells in us as the guarantee of that coming glory (v.5). So even when our circumstances shake, we can still have courage and peace.
That’s why Paul says, “Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him” (v.9). The redemption of Jesus changes more than our future—it changes how we see the world and ourselves. Christ has already taken our judgment, so we no longer need to prove ourselves by performance. His risen life assures us that one day, we will finally go home—to be with Him, fully accepted and forever loved.
Maybe you are now walking through pain, broken relationships, or uncertainty about the future. But the gospel reminds you this: you are not a lonely traveller wandering in a tent. The risen Lord walks with you. The Holy Spirit is at work within you, leading you toward that imperishable home.
So even when ministry feels exhausting, when results seem invisible, when faith wavers—you can still choose to walk by faith, not by sight. Because none of your endurance is wasted. The judgment seat of Christ is not a place of fear, but of joy—where the Lord delights in His servants. On that day, we will see that every tear, every labour, every prayer has been remembered by Him.
Reflection:
Today, are you living more “by sight” or “by faith”? In your anxiety or uncertainty, what is one thing you need to entrust again to the Lord who died and rose for you?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for dying and rising again for me, so that even in the face of death, I can have hope. Give me faith to keep trusting You when I cannot see the way ahead. In my weakness and sighing, teach me to see with Your eternal eyes. May I, whether at home or away, make it my aim to please You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Click to read
In the earlier verses of this chapter, the apostle Paul says that our present earthly body is like living in a tent—temporary, fragile, and easily broken. But he reminds us that one day, God will give us a heavenly dwelling, an eternal, glorious body that will never decay (vv.1–5). This is not wishful thinking, but a real hope rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
Jesus has risen from the dead, and His resurrection guarantees that all who believe in Him will also rise. Death is no longer the final period of our lives—it has become the doorway to our eternal home. That’s why Paul can confidently say, “We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (v.8). For Paul, leaving this world was not about escaping hardship; it was a gospel-shaped perspective—a deep peace that comes from knowing where his true home is.
Yet our fallen nature drives us to live “by sight.” We tend to place our trust in things we can see and hold—our health, achievements, wealth, or the approval of others. These things give us a sense of security, but it never lasts. When our bodies weaken, work falters, or relationships break apart, we feel anxious, empty, and lost.
Those who “walk by faith,” however, live differently. They know that Jesus has already borne the curse of sin and death on the cross. His resurrection declares a new reality—death has been defeated, and our lives now have an eternal home. The Holy Spirit dwells in us as the guarantee of that coming glory (v.5). So even when our circumstances shake, we can still have courage and peace.
That’s why Paul says, “Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him” (v.9). The redemption of Jesus changes more than our future—it changes how we see the world and ourselves. Christ has already taken our judgment, so we no longer need to prove ourselves by performance. His risen life assures us that one day, we will finally go home—to be with Him, fully accepted and forever loved.
Maybe you are now walking through pain, broken relationships, or uncertainty about the future. But the gospel reminds you this: you are not a lonely traveller wandering in a tent. The risen Lord walks with you. The Holy Spirit is at work within you, leading you toward that imperishable home.
So even when ministry feels exhausting, when results seem invisible, when faith wavers—you can still choose to walk by faith, not by sight. Because none of your endurance is wasted. The judgment seat of Christ is not a place of fear, but of joy—where the Lord delights in His servants. On that day, we will see that every tear, every labour, every prayer has been remembered by Him.
Reflection:
Today, are you living more “by sight” or “by faith”? In your anxiety or uncertainty, what is one thing you need to entrust again to the Lord who died and rose for you?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for dying and rising again for me, so that even in the face of death, I can have hope. Give me faith to keep trusting You when I cannot see the way ahead. In my weakness and sighing, teach me to see with Your eternal eyes. May I, whether at home or away, make it my aim to please You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.