An Illegal Alien and A Christian?

From a Weekly Wisdom subscriber:

***

Cynic:

1. A person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness.

2. A person whose outlook is scornfully and often habitually negative.

(Dictionary.com / American Heritage Dictionary)

To be a cynic generally toward all men is addressed in Philippians 2:3.  We are to think well of others; not evil surmise (1 Cor. 13:5).

Men are God’s creatures.  A cynic sees no good in them, even when they do good.  Thus, if we have a cynical attitude toward our fellow man, it reflects on God.

We hasten to add, however, that there is precedent for viewing some groups or types of people with cynicism.  For instance, Paul wrote, “One of them, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true…” (Titus 1:12, 13). Too, Jesus had a very low estimation of the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees in general (Matt. 23).

So, what does this mean? We should think well of others until forced by evidence to believe otherwise.  Even then our judgment and attitude must be tempered by the righteousness of God and love for their soul.

- Editor

Reply or Submit Your Question Here

As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens
the countenance of his friend.
- Proverbs 27:17

Christian Modesty
The Public Undressing of America
Jeff Pollard