The expression “we live by faith, not by sight” is found in 2 Corinthians 5:7 and has become a well-known verse quoted by Christians. But what did Paul mean by this phrase?
In 2 Corinthians 5 Paul is talking about our future life with God when we leave this earthly life. He compares our earthly bodies to a tent, which will be taken down, and our heavenly bodies to an eternal house, made by God (verses 1-5). Paul expresses a desire to be with the Lord and talks about the judgment that all will receive (verses 6-10).
And it is in this context that Paul writes, “We walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Here, “sight” can be understood as “external appearance” or “sensory experience”. Paul is saying that our lives are not guided by what we can see, touch or experience in this life, but by faith in God and his Word.
This means that even if we cannot see or touch God, we can trust him and believe that he is present and active in our lives. It is by faith that we receive salvation in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) and live the Christian life (Hebrews 11:1).
The Christian life is a walk of faith, not of visible certainties. Faith is the confidence that God is faithful and will fulfill his promises, even if we don’t see everything clearly now. And it is this faith that gives us hope and security, even in the midst of life’s uncertainties and difficulties.
Therefore, the verse “we live by faith, not by sight” reminds us that our trust in God and our hope are based on faith in his Word and faithfulness, not on our visible circumstances.
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