Like Mr. Rogers
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5;14 (NKJV)
Mr. Rogers loved his neighbors, right? There are limitless ways to love our neighbors.
It seems that the church has gone to great lengths to (rightly) teach that our “neighbors” are not just those people who live next door. They are the widow and the orphan. The poor, the lost, the brother in trouble. Today we are even reminded that we have “unborn neighbors” that we are to care for and about.
Clearly, the Good Samaritan did not know the man from Jerusalem who had been robbed and wounded. But he had compassion on him and helped him. He paid for a room in an inn so he could heal from his wounds and came back to see if there were unforeseen charges for the man (Luke 10:25-37).
In the world we live in it has become easy to send money to many causes that will do the “loving” for us. Though the Good Samaritan was willing to pay for this Jewish man’s help (Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other day–to-day), it started with one to one contact. He physically saw the need and first took care of him himself.
“So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” Luke 10:34 (NKJV)
Apparently, this Samaritan was on a regular path. He knew he would be coming back by the inn.
How well do you and I love our neighbors? Our actual, next-door neighbors? It sometimes seems as though we are so conditioned to make sure we see the bigger picture of who our neighbors are that we have forgotten those we pass, wave to, and greet regularly.
Do they know we are Christians? Do we know their needs? Are we willing to “bandage their wounds,” “pour out our oil and wine,” go out of our way to provide for them or even spend some money to help them?
I am all for loving our neighbors who do not live next door. I want to do all I can to protect and rescue the unborn neighbors who are being killed in the womb. But recently, the people who live in close proximity have become more obvious to me. Have we forgotten them?
This is a place we need to be intentional. In our world, sitting at our computers in our yoga pants when we are home is easy. It takes effort to minister to those we do not know well, but should be getting to know.
Our next-door neighbors are in our closest sphere of influence. Do they see Christ in us or do they just see us going into our homes and shutting the door? How can we get to know our neighbors and, like Mr. Rogers, make some “beautiful days in the neighborhood?”
God has always provided great neighborhoods for us. We have moved to places where we didn’t know anyone and God always sends a friendly neighbor. The street we live on now is wonderful. There is a group of ladies who go out to eat and celebrate birthdays. We pray for each other and check on each other. The people in our neighborhood are truly blessings.
Wow, what a blessing, Melissa! We have been in our house for only 5 years and know our immediate neighbors pretty well (4 widows and a new Mom). When we go up the street, we are slowly but surely getting to know them. It is amazing what small gestures do to encourage them, especially the ones who live alone.
You’re spot on with this comment: “This is a place we need to be intentional. In our world, sitting at our computers in our yoga pants when we are home is easy. It takes effort to minister to those we do not know well, but should be getting to know.”
I think how we can be intentional, what will get me off my couch and slip out of my “yoga pants,” is the key. How do we motivate not only ourselves, but others to even care to be intentional? It seems apathy has a grip on many people today. I’d like to shake that up a bit.
Lisa, I agree with you about the apathy! I think the only motivation that will move us is the nudge of the Holy Spirit. We need to teach these truths (Loving your neighbor is important to God) so He this knowledge can be instilled and the holy Spirit will use it. I also think that what we model will be imitated. Hospitality needs to be revived, even in the Church!
A great call to action here- To actually *BE* the hands & feet of Jesus! Beautifully written!
I love getting to know my neighbors! As an introvert, I used to hole up like a hermit, but I’d realized that God gifted us with people to do life with. We are to rely on each other, help each other, share with each other. We are one big village of God.
Such truth! I love, ‘Our next-door neighbors are in our closest sphere of influence. Do they see Christ in us or do they just see us going into our homes and shutting the door?” This is our call – to make His name famous wherever we are! Blessings, Beth!
Ouch. God convicted me through your blog. I do not even know my next door neighbor’s name. This week, I will make a point of introducing myself. Thanks for the motivation!
Excellent article! We live in the country but we do have neighbors fairly close. A few are believers and some are not. Lately, my husband and I have been intentional in praying for our lost neighbors. WE all need Jesus!!
Thanks Elizabeth. I appreciate teh encouragement.
That’s true Jessica, I also think it is a tool of evangelism. People are far more likely to come to us for spiritual help when they know us as good neighbors. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks, Lisa, I agree – making His name famous – in word and deed!
Praise God, Candice! I would love to hear how that goes (but no pressure!).
Michelle, I pray you get an opportunity to know those neighbors you have been praying for!
Great post! I think this is a great reminder as we live in a me-focused world right now!
Thanks Julie, I hadn’t thought about it being “me focused” when I was writing this but that is exactly how we have lost acts of hospitality in our culture. Thanks for commenting.
Good to be reminded of this! As most people forget to be polite. And that could make someones day.
Ava, Thanks for reading and commenting!
I agree and have often thought about this. Good reminder, especially with warmer days returning soon.
Anneliese, Interesting reminder. The warmer weather does help a lot with seeing our neighbors. It makes me think how much more intentional we have to be in the colder months. Thanks for reading and commenting.