Cynicism and Quieting the Noise Around Me --- How can we quiet the noise? First, to discover the root of the issue, we must ask ourselves who's to blame. Often times we believe it's the behavior of others but in the end we're the one with the problem. To conquer the cacophony of wor1dly noise around us we need to understand the root components of modem-day cynicism. Cynicism is one of the most covert negative emotions of today; it conceals the festering wounds of harbored bitterness against God and neighbor. Understanding cynicism tells us about the wounds we hide, and point us to the Savior who yearns to mend them. Character of Cynicism 1) Calcified heart 2) Creating a cocoon of apathy 3) Breeding criticism 4) Isolation" 5) Host of bad history Creating a Path to Redemption 1) Closure (Psalm 17; 35; 58; 59; Matt 5:11-12; Matt 26:23-24; 2 Tim 4:14) 2) Counteragent (Proverbs 9:7; 18:9; 12:14; 16:13; Ephesians 4:28-29; 1 Peter 3:15-16) 3) Forgiveness (2Corinthians 5:11; 5:10; 5:5-7; Ephesians 4:32) 4) New Meaning (Psalm 141:4; Proverbs 24:12; Ezekiel 36:26) 5) Love (Jeremiah 9:23-24; Hebrews 5:12-14; 2 Corinthians 6:4-10)