Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
When the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor—a tribute to the life of Fred Rogers—was released, I was eager to watch it. I’d been a fan of Mr. Rogers since childhood, and the film didn’t disappoint. One moment, in particular, struck me deeply. Fred Rogers said, “Love is at the root of everything—all learning, all relationships—love or the lack of it. The greatest thing we can do is to help someone know they are loved and capable of loving.”
That statement stuck with me. In today’s world, where cynicism seems to dominate, Rogers’ words and life serve as a powerful reminder: the impact of one person, simply living out the greatest commandment, can be profound.
It’s no surprise that Rogers’ philosophy came straight from the New Testament: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31). As the documentary reveals, Fred Rogers was also an ordained minister. No matter where he went, people would approach him—often hugging him—grateful for the kindness he showed during their troubled childhoods.
Imagine living in such a way that when people see you, they stop just to say thank you for being a gentle voice in a painful season of their life.
Now, imagine if every believer in Jesus had that kind of testimony. The truth is, people won’t care what we say until they know that we care.
Sure, some critics may look for flaws in Rogers’ life, but no child who watched him could deny the warmth he radiated. That soft-spoken, kind man made countless children feel valued and loved. Watching his story unfold, I felt convicted—challenged to ask myself whether I live as a true ambassador of God’s love.
Do I treat others in a way that shows I represent the love of Christ?
The most quoted verse in the Bible, John 3:16, reminds us of God’s intervention: “For God so loved the world…”—He acted. And when Scripture says Jesus was moved with compassion, it means He was moved to intervene.
The mission field isn’t just for pastors or missionaries. Every believer is called to be a laborer in the harvest. We each have a role in demonstrating God’s love to a world that’s hurting and skeptical. When people feel genuinely loved, their hearts open to the hope of the gospel.
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’”
(Matthew 9:36–38)
The Opposite of Love Isn’t Hate
It’s easy to think that hate is the opposite of love—but really, it’s apathy. And sadly, apathy and cynicism can creep into our hearts and crowd out obedience to the greatest commandment.
But there’s hope. If you, like me, feel convicted, it’s not too late to change.
Here’s a simple but powerful exercise inspired by Mr. Rogers. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, and wherever you see the word love, replace it with your own name. See how well you measure up.
[Your Name] is patient and kind;
[Your Name] does not envy or boast;
[Your Name] is not arrogant or rude.
[Your Name] does not insist on their own way;
is not irritable or resentful;
does not rejoice at wrongdoing,
but rejoices with the truth.
[Your Name] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Sobering, isn’t it?
We all know the parable of the Good Samaritan—the man who didn’t ignore the one suffering, unlike the priest and the Levite. Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man?” The expert replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36–37)
Called to Love Like He Loved
As believers, we have the Holy Spirit within us. That means we can love, show mercy, offer kindness, and walk in patience.
“And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14)
One More Thing About Fred Rogers…
Fred Rogers had a special connection to the number 143. He once explained, “It takes one letter to say ‘I’, four letters to say ‘love’, and three letters to say ‘you.’” So, to him, 143 meant “I love you.” He loved the number so much that he maintained a consistent weight of 143 pounds for the last 30 years of his life.
He lived love. He was a neighbor.
Can the same be said of us?