1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose

heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We

refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open

statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s

conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is

veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this

world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing

the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with

ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light

shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the

knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing

power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but

not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not

forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body

the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our

bodies.

2 Corinthians 4:1-10 ESV