Be of Good Cheer
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to "be of good cheer" in the context of the gospel?
- How can we find joy in the midst of trials and tribulations?
- What examples from Church history illustrate the principle of remaining cheerful and hopeful in adversity?
- How does understanding and living the gospel give us strength and confidence in facing challenges?
- What promises does the Lord give us that can help us maintain a cheerful countenance?
Topics
Understanding the Savior's Message of Good Cheer
Jesus Christ assured His Apostles and all of Heavenly Father's children that despite tribulations in the world, they can be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. This message is especially relevant today as we face various hardships.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
Two thousand years later we are also "troubled on every side," and we also need that same message not to despair but to be of good cheer.
- Why is the Savior's message of good cheer relevant to us today?
- How can the Savior's victory over the world bring us cheer in the midst of tribulation?
- How can you apply the Savior's message of good cheer in your current circumstances?
- What steps can you take to cultivate a cheerful attitude despite the challenges you face?
Gaining Strength through the Promises of the Lord
The Lord has given us great assurances and promises that can help us maintain a cheerful disposition even in troubling circumstances. These promises apply to us today and remind us to have joy in the gospel as we navigate the challenges of mortality.
The Lord stands near us, and He has said: "What I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you" (Doctrine and Covenants 61:36).
They are precious and remind each of us to be of good cheer and to have joy in the fulness of the gospel as we press forward through the challenges of mortality.
- What are some of the promises the Lord has given us?
- How can these promises help us maintain a cheerful disposition?
- How have the Lord's promises helped you in your life?
- What can you do to remember and rely on these promises during challenging times?
Learning from the Adversities of the Prophet Joseph Smith
The Prophet Joseph Smith faced many adversities in his life, but he was able to maintain a cheerful temperament through his faith in the Lord's promises. His example can strengthen us in our trials.
Remember the circumstances of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Looked at through the lens of adversities, his life was one of poverty, persecution, frustration, family sorrows, and ultimate martyrdom.
This was the personal, eternal counsel that helped the Prophet Joseph to maintain his native cheery temperament and the love and loyalty of his people.
- What adversities did the Prophet Joseph Smith face?
- How did the Lord's promises help him maintain a cheerful disposition?
- How can the Prophet Joseph Smith's example inspire you in your current challenges?
- What can you learn from his faith and cheerful disposition in the face of adversity?
Applying the Lessons from the Early Church Members
The early members of the Church faced numerous trials and hardships, but they remained hopeful and cheerful through their faith in the Lord's promises and guidance. Their example can inspire us to remain cheerful in our own trials.
Think of those early members! Again and again, they were driven from place to place. Finally they faced the challenges of establishing their homes and the Church in a wilderness.
Even though the Saints were not settled in their new homes, at October 1849 general conference a new wave of missionaries was sent out to Scandinavia, France, Germany, Italy, and the South Pacific.
- What challenges did the early Church members face?
- How did they maintain a cheerful disposition despite these trials?
- How can the example of the early Church members inspire you in your current challenges?
- What can you learn from their faith and cheerful disposition in the face of adversity?
Finding Joy through the Doctrine of the Restored Gospel
The doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ provides us with guidance, strength, and joy. By understanding and living according to this doctrine, we can be of good cheer as we journey towards our eternal destiny.
There is boundless power in the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Our unshakable faith in that doctrine guides our steps and gives us joy.
By understanding and conforming our lives to that doctrine, including the divine gift of repentance, we can be of good cheer as we keep ourselves on the path toward our eternal destiny—reunion and exaltation with our loving heavenly parents.
- How does the doctrine of the restored gospel give us joy?
- How can living according to this doctrine help us maintain a cheerful disposition?
- How has the doctrine of the restored gospel brought joy into your life?
- What steps can you take to better understand and live according to this doctrine?
