We Do Not Lose Heart

We do not lose heart.

“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1)

Unlike the temporary and fading glory of the old covenant, (2 Corinthians 3:12-13) the new covenant is permanent, ratified by Christ’s death, and confirmed by His resurrection. This gospel, written on the hearts of believers by the Spirit, is the foundation of Paul’s ministry and the source of his confidence (2 Corinthians 3:4-6). Because of this, Paul does not falter in the face of trials but presses on, knowing his mission is rooted in the power of God. Paul had every reason to lose heart, but instead, he kept his eyes on Christ. How did he do this?

A Ministry of Mercy

Paul acknowledges that his ministry is entirely by the mercy of God. He did not earn it, nor does he deserve it. Just as no Christian, pastor, or elder deserves their calling, all who serve Christ do so by grace. Paul, once a persecutor of the church, was radically transformed by God’s mercy. Instead of receiving the judgment he deserved, he received grace—and so does every believer. This deep awareness of God’s mercy gives Paul unwavering endurance: he refuses to lose heart. He understands that everything he does is an undeserved gift, and this perspective fuels his dedication to the gospel.

Mercy is a powerful concept. It means that despite our failures, despite our sinfulness, God withholds the judgment we deserve and instead grants us life. Paul’s ministry was deeply rooted in this understanding, and he calls all believers to grasp the same truth. When we recognize that our salvation is an act of God’s mercy, it compels us to serve Him wholeheartedly, with gratitude, and perseverance.

A Ministry of Integrity

Pastors today might be tempted to strengthen their weary hearts by manipulation or deceit. Paul firmly rejects these disgraceful and underhanded tactics. (2 Corinthians 4:2) He does not manipulate, deceive, or tamper with God’s Word for personal gain. Unlike those who water down the gospel for popularity or financial success, Paul remains committed to the truth. The message must remain pure and unaltered, regardless of opposition.

Integrity in ministry is non-negotiable. The temptation to compromise the gospel for the sake of acceptance or ease is ever-present, but Paul reminds us that faithfulness to God’s Word is more important than the approval of man. Today, many leaders face pressure to make the message of the gospel more palatable to a modern audience. However, true ministry requires a commitment to speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular. Paul does not lose heart by sticking with what God has called him to do and not compromise to garner results.

A Ministry of Divine Power

How does Paul encourage himself when people reject the gospel? He explains that "the god of this world"—Satan—has blinded the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the light of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) The world is full of lies designed to keep people bound in sin. From false religions to moral relativism, deception keeps the veil over their hearts. Yet, this reality does not discourage Paul. Instead, it deepens his resolve to preach Christ boldly, knowing the nature of the New Covenant. Paul does not lose heart and realizes he’s at God’s mercy to save sinners.

Therefore, Paul’s confidence does not rest in his ability to persuade but in God’s power to save. The same God who spoke light into existence at creation speaks into the darkness of human hearts, bringing spiritual life. (2 Corinthians 4:6) Salvation is a divine work; only God can remove the veil and shine the light of Christ into a sinner’s soul. Our role is to preach Christ faithfully, trusting that God alone opens blind eyes. This is why Paul could not lose heart, although there was opposition to the gospel all around.

A Ministry of Perseverance

Ministry is hard. Discouragement is real. But Paul reminds us: we do not lose heart. We press on because our calling is by God’s mercy. We do not waver because truth is on our side. We are not shaken by opposition because the gospel’s success does not depend on us—it depends on God’s power. So we continue to preach, pray, and trust that God will speak light into the hearts of those who hear.

This perseverance is key. Serving Christ will not always be easy, and there will be moments of doubt and exhaustion. Yet, we are called to remain steadfast, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Even when results are not immediately visible, we must trust that God is working in the hearts of those who hear His Word. As we continue in our own walk of faith and service, let us remember Paul’s words. Let us stand firm, confident that God’s mercy sustains us, His truth guides us, and His power accomplishes what we cannot. The world may resist, but the gospel will never fail.

Do not lose heart.