Even though He was leaving them, Jesus encouraged His disciples to be of good cheer. This was just as much for us as them. He told them (and us) we need to love each other because the world will hate us. He gives us many reasons to be of good cheer. First, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The promise that our sorrow would be turned to joy. Answered prayer. We are quite used to praying but the disciples up to that night had not prayed (because Jesus was with them). Now they (and we) have direct access to the Father, and Jesus will be making intercession for us. We can come boldly before the throne! “For the Father himself loveth you” (John 16:27). And Jesus has overcome the world and death. We are on the winning side.
