A GOOD NEIGHBOR

 

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Do you know that song? It’s the theme song for Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.

What does it mean to be a good neighbor? It means that you pay your taxes and maintain your property. It means that you respect and are kind to the people who live around you. More than that, it means that you reach out to people and welcome them.

I mention that because when Jesus returned to his hometown, people did not respect him (Mark 6:1-13). They were not kind to him. They did not reach out to him or welcome him. They were not at all like Mr. Rogers, but then again, most people are not.

Lots of times people say negative words about their neighbors. That may be the reason that Martin Luther explained the Eighth Commandment in these words: We should fear and love God that we may not lie about, betray or slander our neighbor, but defend him, and think and speak well of him.

So, here’s a little experiment you might try this week. When someone is saying means words about another person, think about Mr. Rogers, Martin Luther and Jesus, and say the words that show your love for your neighbor. You can do it by memorizing this Bible verse, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

With that, let us pray. Heavenly Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named: Bless these and all children, and give their parents the spirit of wisdom and love, so that the homes in which they grow up may be to them an image of Your Kingdom, and the care of their parents a likeness of Your love. We pray in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.