Cheer; Cheerfulness
The Biblical Concept of Cheer
The English word "cheer" originally referred to one's facial expression before evolving to mean good spirits and encouragement. In the Bible, cheer encompasses a range of meanings from heartfelt joy to bold courage. The Old Testament Hebrew words behind it include terms for rejoicing and gladness, while the New Testament Greek words convey both courage and a joyful disposition.
Be of Good Cheer: Courage in the Face of Fear
Some of the most powerful uses of "cheer" in the Bible come from Jesus himself. When he healed the paralytic, he said, "Be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven" (Matthew 9:2). To the woman with the issue of blood, he declared, "Be of good cheer; your faith has made you well" (Matthew 9:22). When his disciples were terrified on the stormy sea, he called out, "Be of good cheer; it is I. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27).
Most significantly, on the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples, "In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Here cheerfulness is not denial of hardship but confidence grounded in Christ's victory.
Cheerfulness in Generosity
Paul connects cheerfulness directly to the practice of giving: "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). The Greek word here suggests someone who gives with genuine delight rather than reluctant obligation. Paul also lists cheerfulness as a spiritual quality that should characterize those who show mercy (Romans 12:8).
Joy as a Heart Condition
The Old Testament connects cheer to the condition of the heart. Proverbs 15:13 observes, "A merry heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." Proverbs 15:15 adds, "The cheerful of heart has a continual feast." Ecclesiastes 11:9 encourages the young to "let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth."
These proverbs teach that genuine cheerfulness is an inward reality that affects outward life, not a performance but a disposition shaped by wisdom and trust in God.
Cheer in Community
Deuteronomy 24:5 provides a remarkable example: a newly married man was exempt from military service for a year so he could "cheer his wife whom he has taken." This shows that biblical cheerfulness has a communal dimension. It involves bringing joy to others, strengthening relationships, and fostering well-being in the household of faith.
Biblical Context
Cheer and cheerfulness appear across multiple biblical genres: in Jesus' healings and encouragements (Matthew 9:2, 22; 14:27; John 16:33), in Paul's teaching on giving and mercy (2 Corinthians 9:7; Romans 12:8), in wisdom literature (Proverbs 15:13, 15; Ecclesiastes 11:9), in the law (Deuteronomy 24:5), and in narrative contexts (Acts 27:22, 25, 36).
Theological Significance
Biblical cheerfulness is rooted not in circumstances but in the character and promises of God. Jesus' command to 'be of good cheer' is grounded in his victory over the world. Cheerful giving reflects trust in God's provision. The cheerful heart of Proverbs demonstrates that true joy comes from wisdom and right relationship with God.
Historical Background
In the Greco-Roman world, philosophical schools like the Stoics and Epicureans debated the nature of happiness and contentment. The biblical concept of cheerfulness differs from both, being neither the suppression of emotion nor the pursuit of pleasure, but a confident joy anchored in divine faithfulness. Jewish culture valued communal celebration, with festivals and feasts designed to cultivate collective joy.