Some of the most powerful ideas are also the simplest. In 1743, John Wesley wrote a short document called the General Rules of the United Societies to guide the small groups of Methodists who were meeting across England. More than 280 years later, United Methodists still include those rules in our Book of Discipline, and many people know them by a three-part summary: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.
In this article, we will look at where the rules came from, what each one means, and how you can practice them in ordinary life, whether you're at work, at home or here in Laingsburg.
Where the Three Simple Rules Come From
Early Methodists were organized into "societies," which were divided into smaller "classes" of about a dozen people who met weekly. Anyone who desired "to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins" was welcome to join. But Wesley expected members to show that desire in the way they lived. So he wrote that they should continue to evidence their desire for salvation:
- "By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind..."
- "By doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all..."
- "By attending upon all the ordinances of God," which Wesley listed as public worship, the ministry of the Word (read or preached), the Lord's Supper, family and private prayer, searching the Scriptures, and fasting.
In 2007, United Methodist bishop Rueben P. Job published a small book called Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. He rephrased the third rule as "stay in love with God," and the memorable summary caught on. You will find his book on our spiritual resources list.
Rule One: Do No Harm
At first glance, "do no harm" sounds easy. Most of us don't set out to hurt anyone. But Wesley meant something deeper: paying attention to the ways our words, choices and habits affect others, and choosing a better way.
Bishop Job pointed out that living by this rule can change how we handle disagreement. If I have committed to do no harm, I cannot gossip about the person I disagree with, speak carelessly about them online or treat them with contempt. I can still hold strong convictions, but I hold them with respect for the other person, who is also loved by God.
Practicing "do no harm"
- Watch your words. Before speaking about someone, ask whether you would say the same thing in front of them.
- Consider your consumption. Think about how your spending and habits affect workers, neighbors and the environment.
- Pause before reacting. In a tense moment, take a breath and ask, "Will my response heal or harm?"
- Repair harm when it happens. Apologize sincerely and make things right when you can.
Rule Two: Do Good
Avoiding harm is only the beginning. Wesley urged Methodists to do good "of every possible sort," to the bodies and souls of all people: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and those in prison, and encouraging one another in faith. A saying often attributed to Wesley captures the spirit: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."
Doing good doesn't have to be dramatic. It is often found in small, faithful acts: a meal for a family with a new baby, a ride to a doctor's appointment, a phone call to someone who is lonely.
Practicing "do good" in Laingsburg
- Donate food or personal care items to the Laingsburg Area Food Bank, hosted in our building.
- Buy a meal for a neighbor through Money 4 Meals at a participating local restaurant.
- Help an elementary student with reading at Tuesday Tutoring.
- Join a service project listed on our Ministries page, such as rice meal kit assembly.
Rule Three: Stay in Love with God
The third rule is what keeps the first two from becoming exhausting. Without a living connection to God, doing no harm and doing good can turn into a grim list of obligations. Staying in love with God fills us with the love we then share with others.
Wesley called the practices that keep us connected to God "means of grace." They are the channels through which God's grace flows into our lives. His list included both personal and shared practices:
- Worship: gathering regularly with others to praise God and hear the Word. See our worship page.
- Prayer: talking and listening to God each day. Our guide on how to pray offers simple ways to begin.
- Scripture: reading and reflecting on the Bible. Try our article on how to start reading the Bible.
- Holy Communion: receiving the bread and cup, which Wesley encouraged Methodists to do as often as they could.
- Fasting: setting aside food or something else for a time to focus on God.
- Christian conversation: sharing honestly with fellow believers about our spiritual lives, the heart of Wesley's small groups.
How the Three Rules Work Together
The three rules are not separate compartments. They support one another. When we stay in love with God, we find the strength and desire to do good. When we do good, we encounter Christ in the people we serve. When we commit to do no harm, our relationships become safer places where faith can grow.
The rules also keep us balanced. Some Christians focus mainly on personal piety, and others focus mainly on social action. Wesley held them together: a warm heart and busy hands.
A Simple Daily Check-In
One easy way to practice the three simple rules is to use them as an evening reflection. Before bed, ask yourself:
- Where today did I cause harm, and how can I make it right?
- Where did I do good, and where did I miss a chance?
- How did I stay connected to God today, and how can I make room for God tomorrow?
Over weeks and months, this short habit can quietly reshape your priorities. It is also a wonderful practice to share with a friend or a small group, just as the early Methodists did.
Conclusion
John Wesley's three simple rules have lasted for nearly three centuries because they are both simple and profound. Anyone can remember them, yet no one ever fully masters them. Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God. If you would like to explore this way of life with others, we invite you to worship with us at Laingsburg United Methodist Church or join one of our adult small groups. To learn more about the beliefs behind these rules, read What Do United Methodists Believe?