Cheerfulness

"Come let us join our cheerful songs," the hymn says, "with angels round the throne." Cheerfulness is a characteristic of the Christian, shown not only in joyful worship, but in daily tasks and at times of crisis. More than being characteristic, it is necessary. The alternative is depression and discouragement.

In a work of reference such as Vine [Expository Dictionary] the AV words `cheerful', `cheerfully', `of good cheer' are seen to be renderings of three families of Greek words. Their use and meanings overlap. Indeed, looking up the references in more recent translations, one discovers various words and phrases such as: Take heart.... Take courage....gladly.... not to give way to despair.... with joy.... The AV even has in one place the translation "merry"! All these shades of meaning are aspects of a positive frame of mind, cheerfulness. In scripture it is often linked with the particular reasons or circumstances which should produce it.

The Greek `enthumeo' means to put in good spirits, to be cheerful. James (5.13) tells us what to do if we find ourselves being cheerful - sing praises. This instruction goes along with advice to pray if one is suffering, or send for the church elders if one is sick. It is the practical reaction - if cheerful, sing praise to God. The same word is used by Paul when encouraging his companions in an endangered ship. "Be of good cheer!" Why? "There will be no loss of life." "It will happen as God told me." (Acts 27.22,25). That our lives are in the hand of God is a sound reason for cheerfulness.

The Greek `hilaros' implies a joyful readiness of mind, prompt to do anything. (The English word `hilarity' has kept the thought of joy but has lost any sense of purpose in it.) Romans 12.8 speaks of acts of mercy done with cheerfulness (hilarotes). This is the right way to do a kindness; just as givers should be liberal and leaders should put their minds and hearts to the task. God is said to love the cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9.7), that is, someone who plans to give a gift, actually does give the gift, and has not just been badgered into it.

Cheerfulness of this kind can require an act of will. Some people are not naturally generous or cheerful, and to tell them they must do things cheerfully may be a discouragement. There come to mind two elderly ladies. One was ready with a smile and a lively remark right up to her dying day; it was natural, no effort. The other was oppressed, grieving about the wickedness of the world and regretful of her own circumstances. Was she living up to her Christian privileges of faith, hope and cheerfulness? But after she had a course of thyroid treatment, though her circumstances did not change and the world was just as wicked, she faced things bravely with a smile! Or had God been helping her? Be that as it may, we should beware of criticising others, but rather concentrate on being obediently cheerful ourselves, just as much as we find we are ourselves able. Our mind may be cheerful even if our mood is not. The Greek `tharsei' is translated "Be of good cheer", "Take courage". In other words, "Cheer up". Jesus, when he says this, always gives a good reason. The paralysed man is told to take himself in hand because his sins are forgiven (Matthew 9.2). The female outcast moves into a positive hopefulness because her faith has given her a complete cure (with a little unconscious help from Jesus - Matthew 9.22). The disciples see a ghost moving on the darkened lake, and are told "Don't be scared, it's Me." (Can we in our turn recognise the times when Jesus is with us in the dark?) And those same disciples were dismayed when Jesus, about to leave them apparently on their own, said they would have a lot of trouble in the world. "But be of good cheer," He said, "I have overcome the world" (John 16.33). That was just before Calvary, and in the same week as the resurrection.

The hymn `My song is love unknown' has a phrase concerning Jesus, "But cheerful He to suffering goes." One cannot imagine Him carrying the cross with any sort of ordinary cheerfulness: but perhaps with a kind of stout-hearted cheerful courage? He held in his mind what his faith foresaw as the glorious outcome. Cheerful courage is what, with God's help and because of what He has done for us, we can aspire to achieve.