¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. ^(A)Though our outer self^[a] is wasting away, ^(B)our inner self ^(C)is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For ^(D)this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ^18 (E)as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Our Heavenly Dwelling

5 For we know that if ^(F)the tent that is ^(G)our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, ^(H)a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this tent ^(I)we groan, longing to ^(J)put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ if indeed by putting it on^[b] we may not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal ^(K)may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, ^(L)who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

⁶ So we are always of good courage. We know that ^(M)while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, ⁷ for ^(N)we walk by faith, not ^(O)by sight. ⁸ Yes, we are of good courage, and we ^(P)would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to ^(Q)please him. ¹⁰ For ^(R)we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, ^(S)so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.