Do you sometimes abandon efficiency and choose the scenic route? I do. While running errands, I drive out of my way to visit my favorite fall site—a street in our town lined with gingko trees.
When the temperature cools, the green fan-shaped gingko leaves transform into bright splashes of yellow. When the leaves fall, the sidewalk looks like sunshine pooled on the earth, and it makes me happy.
Think about the color palette God chooses for fall decorating. Red maple leaves, orange pumpkins, golden chrysanthemums, brown chestnuts, and more. They’re all pretty, but gingko tree yellow is my favorite.
Some homeowners add yellow accessories to brighten living spaces throughout the year. Touches of this pretty color add a feeling of warmth and welcome. Wouldn’t you agree yellow is cheery? And who doesn’t need a bit of cheer in their lives?
Rather than simply a merry feeling when life is smooth, we need a well of cheer deep within our hearts. We could substitute gladness, joy, delight, comfort, or encouragement. 1 The colors of autumn leaves offer a measure of happiness, but, as the Bible teaches, our hearts need the deep cheer, joy, and peace a relationship with Jesus offers.
The colors of autumn leaves offer a measure of happiness, but, as the Bible teaches, our hearts need the deep cheer, joy, and peace a relationship with Jesus offers. Share on X
Even while imprisoned, the Apostle Paul demonstrated the importance of cheering the hearts of other people. With concern for worried friends, he sent Tychicus to encourage them (Ephesians 6:21-22, Colossians 4:7-8).
So too, Jesus wanted His disciples, and us, to have courage, comfort, and cheer in difficult situations. Three of the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, and John—record how Jesus calmed the fears of His disciples during a storm at sea. When water began to fill the boat, they cried out to Him for help. He calmed the storm and comforted the frightened men.
Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.
Matthew 14:27 NKJV
The same words He spoke on the Sea of Galilee comfort and encourage us today. When we’re fearful, lonely, confused, or discouraged, His presence and His words offer us deep-seated joy and peace. In whatever situation we find ourselves, He says, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
Some Bible translations use the phrase “take courage” rather than “be of good cheer,” but we know that Jesus provides peace and encouragement to troubled souls.
When preparing followers for His death and resurrection, Jesus said,
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NKJV
What a promise! A well of cheer deep within our hearts.
As gingko trees bring a touch of sunshine to the surrounding area, we can share cheer with others from the well of joy and comfort we find in our relationship with Jesus. When He fills our heart, we have plenty to share. Here are some suggestions for spreading cheer this fall.
Sharing Fall Cheer
Encouraging Words
- Write short Bible verses on a small pumpkin and give it to a friend.
- Choose bookmarks with Bible verses to share with freshly baked oatmeal cookies (homemade or bakery version). Tie the bag with a fall-colored ribbon.
- Offer to pray with someone who shares a concern.
- Make a greeting card with a pretty fall picture and add encouraging words.
- Take time to visit someone who needs a listening ear or fellowship. (Weather changes make good conversation starters.)
Acts of Kindness
- Take an elderly person who can’t drive for a ride to view autumn’s beauty. Stop for a cup of hot apple cider.
- Purchase a Thanksgiving meal for someone by contacting a local ministry.
- Rake a neighbor’s yard as a surprise blessing.
- Offer to help a widow winter proof her home.
- Invite neighbors to watch a Saturday football game and attend church with you on Sunday if they don’t have a church of their own. Fire up the grill or serve chili dogs.
Meaningful Gifts
- Donate warm socks to a homeless shelter.
- Purchase a gift card for a pumpkin latte or cup of cocoa as a “thinking of you” gift.
- Bake small loaves of apple or pumpkin bread to share.
- Take a pot of mums to someone recovering from surgery.
- Share a basket of delicious fall apples or place an apple on each co-worker’s desk. Add a card with the following verse:
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Psalm 17:8 NKJV
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.
Let’s brighten someone’s fall day by sharing a little cheer, shall we?
I hope you’ll contribute an idea to the comment section below to add to our “share a little fall cheer” lists. OR perhaps you’ll share a verse that cheers your heart.
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