“Be of good cheer”

The counsel to be of good cheer isn’t generic, it is always offered in conjunction with something encouraging. The Lord doesn’t offer this as an empty platitude but as a reminder that the things discouraging us do not constitute the whole picture. (Also, depression is discouraging but it is not the same as simply being discouraged.)

It seems consistent that in each scriptural reference the invitation to “be of good cheer” comes attached to a specific thing to be of good cheer about:

• Be of good cheer, the time is at hand.
• Be of good cheer, let us gather the sheep.
• Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee.
• Be of good cheer, I have not forsaken you.
• Be of good cheer, I will lead you along.

The pieces of encouragement sometimes directly addressed the real challenges that were being cause for discouragement and other times pointed the focus of those discouraged toward things of greater impact or importance than the thing causing them to be discouraged.

Sometimes we should say to those who are sad, “be of good cheer, don’t forget about this other factor” and other times we should be saying “I’m sorry for what you are going through, I recognize that it is genuinely difficult.” (Mourn with those who mourn.)