2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Cross-reference
2 Corinthians 5:7 contrasts living by faith vs sight, matching the unseen vs seen focus here — a consistent Pauline theme.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:16, God gives eternal encouragement and hope — the unseen hope we fix our eyes on.
In 1 John 2:25, the promise of eternal life is the unseen eternal reality we look toward.
In 1 John 2:17, the world passes away but doing God's will leads to eternal life — echoing the contrast.
Hebrews 12:2 uses the same phrase 'fixing our eyes on Jesus' — provides the supreme example of focusing on unseen eternal joy.
Hebrews 11:25-27 gives Moses as an example who saw the invisible God and chose eternal reward over fleeting sin — an OT illustration of fixing eyes on unseen.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as assurance of things not seen — directly connects to the unseen reality we focus on.
In Matthew 25:46, eternal life and punishment are the unseen realities that make present sufferings bearable.
Philippians 3:20 declares our citizenship is in heaven — the unseen reality that shapes our focus.
Colossians 3:2 directly commands setting minds on things above — same call to focus on eternal.
In Hebrews 11:27, Moses endured as seeing him who is invisible — directly embodying the faith that looks at the unseen.
Romans 8:18 directly parallels — present sufferings are temporary compared to eternal glory.
In 1 Peter 1:8, believers love and rejoice in Christ though unseen — illustrating the faith that looks at the invisible.
John 6:27 contrasts perishable food with eternal food — the same temporary vs eternal distinction.
Romans 8:25 adds patient waiting for the unseen hope — expands on the attitude toward the unseen.
In Hebrews 11:14, the patriarchs show they seek a heavenly homeland — the same orientation toward unseen eternal reality.
Romans 8:24 explains that hope is for what is not seen — reinforcing the unseen object of faith in this verse.
In Hebrews 13:14, we seek a city that is to come — echoing the focus on eternal not temporal dwelling.
Isaiah 51:11 promises eternal joy replacing sorrow — the unseen reality that outweighs present suffering.