Mister Rogers opened each of his shows with, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” The words invited everyone listening to enter into his world. He taught children that they were both worthy of love and capable of loving. There were and are no exceptions to that statement. Mr. Rogers modeled for each of us how to open our hearts to our neighbors in the same way that Jesus commanded us to love. 

There’s no doubt that Mister Rogers, a Presbyterian minister, knew his Bible and was familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan. He took the truths he found in Scripture and brought them to life in practical ways that we, as children, were able to grasp and take with us into adulthood. 

Mister Rogers modeled for us what it looks like to live a life that reflects the love of God and draws people in without beating them over the head with Scripture. He modeled for all of us that are neighbors are everyone, and he showed us how to love them unconditionally. This is what it means to be in the world but not of the world. We are called to show our neighbors the love of God by engaging with them and not separating from them.

If you haven’t watched Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood yet I highly suggest you do. Pay special attention to the values he lived out and how he interacted with those around him. His life was a testimony of Jesus’s commandment to love. It is a testimony worth paying attention to and learning from. 

At Centerpoint, we are breaking down every barrier that keeps people from the love of God. We don’t shy away from the hard questions. No matter where you are in your faith journey, you are welcome to join us! There is a seat for you at our table.