CHRISTIAN CHEERLEADERS

by an Old Disciple of Jesus Christ

“Be of good cheer.”~used 5 times by Jesus and 3 by Paul 

The definition of this little five-letter word is “a shout of encouragement and approval, etc.; to raise the spirits; to urge on.” To the one lying on a sick bed, to His followers in the midst of a storm, to those fearful of being swallowed up by the world, and to that saint imprisoned by circumstances, Christ said to each, “Be of good cheer.” I have a sneaking suspicion, had the song been written at the time, we would have heard these individuals singing, “Who can cheer the heart like Jesus?” 

Paul followed his Master’s example in life. To those who had suffered an extended time in darkness in a storm, without any ray of hope, we hear the same words that His Lord spoke fall from his own lips. “Be of good cheer.”

It is sometimes said by pastors, “You’re either a participant or a spectator,” attempting to get Christians involved. This is a general truth. There are circumstances when some of God’s choicest saints are no longer able to be in the game. But I have found they still have something to contribute; they are all great “cheerer-ups.” 

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. ~Mark Twain