OPINION:
How well do you know your neighbors? Do you know them by name or do you just nod when you pass them? Believe it or not, we are actually called to LOVE our neighbors — not just vaguely know their names.
According to Pew Research Center, only 25% of Americans claim to know most of their neighbors. Let’s face it, being a good neighbor can be difficult at times, especially in a culture marked by light-speed schedules, self-absorption, and cultural or political differences. However, as Christians, we are called to take time to love our neighbors and to set the standard for how to be a kind, loving neighbor to the next generation.
Subscribe to have The Washington Times’ Higher Ground delivered to your inbox every Sunday.
Let’s look at Jesus’ own words in Matthew 22:36-39 where he is questioned about the greatest Commandment:
“‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ’”
So, since “loving your neighbor as yourself” is listed as the second greatest commandment, we need to make it a priority. And even further, we need to teach our kids to love their neighbor by consistently modeling compassion and respect. Where do we start? Let’s start with those who live next door — despite how inconvenient or challenging it might be at times.
SEE ALSO: In a culture of peer pressure, encourage your kids to be positive influencers
It’s time to go back to the basics of HOW to be a good neighbor.
Remember Mr. Rogers, with one of the most recognizable songs in television history?
“Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?”
Imagine if we all stood in our front yards singing this as our neighbors walked by? Ok, maybe not to that extreme, but what does this boil down to? Simply put, it’s about being kind. Mr Rogers said it best, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
“You CAN Tell The Children” is a weekly podcast from the Bible2School Ministry that aims to equip Christian adults with relevant, fun, age appropriate, and hope-filled ways to share God’s word in everyday life with any child in your circle of influence
Ok, so HOW do we show kindness and love to our neighbors?
The first step in kindness is purposefully getting to know your neighbors. This requires intentionality. Start small with a wave and a smile. Then walk across the yard or the street to spark up a conversation. Ask thoughtful questions and remember the answers. Concentrate on what things you have in common in order to connect as neighbors. On a hot day, share a popsicle or a cold drink if you see them outside. If you want to take it a step further in getting to know your neighbors, plan a neighborhood block party.
Then, once you know more about your neighbor, you can start loving them in the ways they specifically need. Ask yourself, “What would be helpful for them in their life right now?” Have a family meeting to discuss different ways you could individually and collectively serve someone in your neighborhood. Encourage your kids to be a servant in both the small ways and the big ways, and the ways people see and don’t see.
Need some ideas to do together as a family?
Surprise the parents of a newborn with a meal. Offer to babysit so a neighbor can take their spouse on a much-needed date night. Weed an elderly couple’s overgrown garden. Take a glass of cold water to a neighbor working (and sweating) doing yard work. Grab a neighbor’s trash cans that are blowing down the street on a windy day. Write an encouraging message on a neighbor’s driveway with chalk. Cut some flowers from your garden and put them on a neighbor’s porch, accompanied by an anonymous note.
Last, but certainly not least, pray. Go for a special Neighborhood Prayer W.A.L.K. as a family. This special walk involves worshiping God, asking about others, listening to God, and gaining knowledge about your community and neighbors. Pray over your neighborhood’s families, their businesses, and the law enforcement protecting your neighborhood.
By doing all of these things WITH your children — no matter their age — you are teaching them incredible life lessons of being a kind neighbor. Yes, Mr. Rogers would be proud. But more importantly we are teaching our kids to be more like Jesus. And, that is what’s most important.
–
Kori Pennypacker is the CEO of Bible2School, where she oversees the mission and speaks to businesses, churches, and community leaders on the topic of the importance of spiritual training for children in our communities nationwide. She has over 20 years of experience in children’s ministry and leadership.
Bible2School equips communities across the nation to provide free elective Bible classes to elementary school children DURING their public school day. Their vision is that every public school in the nation would have a dynamic Bible program taught during their school day as allowed by national released time court rulings.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.