Be a Fred Rogers

May 3, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“And the second [greatest commandment] … is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ ” ( Mark 12:31, NKJV).

The friendly smile. The cardigan sweater. The sneakers. The calm voice. They all belonged unmistakably to Fred Rogers, host of the children’s TV program Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.

When Fred Rogers died in 2003, he left the TV landscape in the hands of other types of neighbors. Many we’d never say “yes” to if they were to ask, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

In neighborhoods in every part of every state, people are the same. Needy. They need strength for their struggles; they need hope for the future. They don’t have Mr. Rogers for a neighbor, but they have you.

When Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, He didn’t mean only those living nearest us, but He did also mean them. Have you ever considered God placed you in the neighborhood where you live? That He saw your neighbors’ needs and your ability to represent Him among those needs?

Here are some ways God may want to use you to relate to those living around you.

Help them. Jesus’ answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” A story about a man who gave his time, resources and money to help someone in need. The Samaritan may have prayed, but he did more than pray. He helped in practical ways that he could.

Most likely, the man the Samaritan aided would not have given him the same courtesy. That didn’t matter, nor does it matter today. Our part is to reach out in Christian love.

Share their pain. To “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) is to show you care. Your neighbors will face financial needs, illness, family sorrows and other problems. In some of their situations you can listen and care because you’ve been there yourself.

When one of life’s problems is screaming in a neighbor’s ear, God can use your calming presence to soothe them. Words may help, but what people remember most is that you cared enough to be there.

Rejoice in their successes. When your neighbor tells you about receiving a raise, God wants you to be happy for them (Romans 12:15), even when you didn’t get a raise. Their personal gains and the achievements of their children and grandchildren are gifts from God. Recognize that and rejoice with them.

When Jesus mentioned “neighbors” in His parable, they usually shared in someone’s celebration (Luke 15:6,9). They were our examples.

Forgive them. Any disagreement with a neighbor can go one of two directions. You can react by erecting a fence in your relationship or by smoothing over the problem with forgiveness. It’s not always a matter of how right you are; it is always a matter of representing Jesus to someone who may need to know Him.

The kind of neighbor your neighbors need aren’t as abundant as you’d think. As a Christian who wants to obey what Jesus called “the second great commandment,” you are the neighbor they need.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.