2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

(v2, NIV)

We don't need to be ashamed of this gospel. We don't need to try and convince people.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

(1 Corinthians 1:17, NIV)

Clearly we do not use our own wisdom. There is power in the gospel. This new covenant comes in greater glory. Why do we need to hide it? Why do we need to be ashamed of it? Let us simply say it plainly for what it is. You don't need to sugar-coat it.

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

(v3, NIV)

It's true that even in its power, some will not believe. We have to accept the fact that some will turn away from God. It is sad when people or especially loved ones turn away from God. We know that if they never turn to God, then they are the ones who are perishing. However, it is our job to tell them. But we don't need to convince them. The gospel in itself will convince them. Don't distort the gospel.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

(v4, NIV)

Some may find it unfair that God is the one who has blinded the minds of unbelievers. However, this is a truth we find in the bible. In dealing with this thought, I am brought back to Romans. I will simply end with this, but I encourage everyone to read and meditate upon it. It's the Word of God, yo!

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

(Romans 1:18-25, ESV)