The Second “Simple Rule”
“Let us not grow weary in well-doing…let us do good to all.”
Galatians 6:9-10
The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, taught the early Methodists to live by “Three Simple Rules.” To this day, they provide wise guidance for those who strive to live faithfully. Do you remember them?
Do no harm.
Do good.
Love God.
Wesley expanded on the second rule by giving us one of his most famous, oft-quoted mantras: “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 for as long as ever you can.”
Unfortunately, those who strive to do good in this world are sometimes dismissed as being well-meaning but annoying “do-gooders.” In a world filled with vexing problems, overwhelming odds, and enormous challenges, any effort to “do good” may seem like a hopeless drop in the bucket.
But doing good is, in fact, the only thing that can defeat evil in this world. The only thing! As the great Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu put it, “Goodness is stronger than evil; Love is stronger than hate; Light is stronger than darkness; Life is stronger than death; Victory is ours through Him who loves us.” And, as St. Paul wrote, “Never repay evil with more evil, but overcome evil with good.” For it is the only thing that can.
Make that call. Write that letter. Help with a chore. Say a prayer. Recycle those cans. Contribute food. Make a donation. Offer a word of encouragement. Lend an ear. Listen. Seek understanding. Volunteer. Smile. Do all the good you can! It can change the world!
Do you believe this? I do! Plan to worship with us on this Sunday as together we strive to do all the good we can!
Grace and Peace,
Callie