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2 Corinthians 5:6
ESV So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
NIV Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.
NASB Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord—
CSB So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.
NLT So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord.
KJV Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
NKJV So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.

What does 2 Corinthians 5:6 mean?

How should Christians live if we are convinced that after we die, we will be resurrected to eternal life? How should it change us to know that we will occupy a future, eternal body which will be free of all the burden and groaning experienced by every person on earth?

Paul's answer is "courage." He and his friends who are convinced of their eternal destiny with God live with great courage. Nothing that matters can be taken from them. Everything that matters has been and will be given to them. They experience the promise as a guaranteed certainty.

In a sense, Paul is saying they have changed their expectations for this life. They understand that as long as they live in mortal bodies, on this side of eternity, they are still looking ahead to being with Christ in eternity. They also know that only the ultimate, final reunion will bring relief from all pain, suffering, burden, and groaning. Without the expectation that life on this side of heaven should be painless and perfect, they have the courage to keep going on the mission given to them by God. In fact, they live with great joy, hope, and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) despite continuing to experience pain and mortality and the longing for their home in heaven.
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