So much of what we encounter in Western society encourages us to become cynical. We are taught not to trust, to be suspicious of strangers and to be sceptical of almost everything we hear. To avoid cynicism in today's world is widely considered naïve.
Yet God calls us to be the antithesis of a cynic. Antonyms for cynicism include belief, confidence, faith, trust, and certainty. Rather than following the ways of the world, we're called to live out our faith in God. It is he we can be certain of.
From this position of confidence, we can go into the world with wisdom; not falling for cynicism, nor partaking in it. God offers us a fresh perspective that enables us to live counter-culturally in faith.
Here are 10 Bible verses that remind us to live free from cynicism, secure in the truth that God, and his creation, are good.
1 John 4:4: "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Hebrews 13.6: "So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'"
Ephesians 4.31-32: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
1 Peter 3.9: "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Proverbs 17.22: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Psalm 139.14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Philippians 4.8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
2 Peter 3.9: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Romans 8.28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Ephesians 3.20-21: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
