The General Rules (1): Do No Harm

Matthew 5:38-42

Last Sunday, we explored an important question: Do I need a Christian rule to live by? Many people say, “I just follow my conscience” or “I try to be a good person.” But faith requires more than vague intentions; it needs clear guidance. This is why John Wesley established the First General Rule of Methodism: Do No Harm. Today, we dive deeper into what this truly means and why Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-42—“Turn the other cheek”—challenges our instincts. If someone slapped you, what would you do? Most of us would feel the urge to fight back, to defend ourselves. But Jesus calls us to something radically different. He asks us to resist retaliation, to respond with wisdom rather than impulse. This is where Christian discipleship becomes difficult but essential.

At first glance, “Do No Harm” seems simple. But even medicine, law, and ethics struggle to define harm. A doctor’s treatment can cause painful side effects—is that harm or healing? A parent disciplines a child—is that guidance or harm? A pastor preaches an uncomfortable truth—is that offense or faithfulness? The world often prioritizes “Does this benefit me?” over “Does this harm others?” But Jesus teaches us to think differently. In the Bible, God’s commandments begin with boundaries against harm before commanding good. Jesus takes it even further, revealing that harm doesn’t start with actions—it begins in the heart. “You have heard it said, ‘Do not murder,’ but I tell you, anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22). Sin is not just about what we do; it’s about what we allow to grow inside us. This is why Wesley’s first rule is “Do No Harm” before “Do Good.” If we ignore the harm we might be causing, even our best intentions can lead to destruction.

One of the greatest dangers in our world today is unintentional harm. When harm is deliberate—lying, stealing, cheating—we easily recognize it as wrong. But what about the harm we don’t mean to cause? A friend feels neglected because we keep canceling plans. A child feels overlooked because we praise one person’s achievements while ignoring others. We say, “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” but the pain is still real. And when people believe that “since I didn’t mean it, it’s not my fault,” harm spreads unchecked. This is why Scripture calls us to awareness and responsibility. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Even our careless words can cause harm. Proverbs 3:27 reminds us, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” The Bible challenges us not only to avoid doing harm but also to be mindful of what we fail to do.

So what should we do? The world often dismisses Jesus’ wisdom as impractical or too difficult. But every now and then, we see extraordinary examples of people who refuse to be shaped by the world’s ways—people who take God’s call seriously. Years ago, when an Amish community in Pennsylvania suffered a tragic school shooting, their response shocked the world. Instead of seeking revenge, they forgave. They comforted the shooter’s widow. They attended his funeral. They refused to let hate define their response. To the world, this made no sense. But to those who understand the depth of Christian faith, it was a living example of “Do No Harm.”

We began with a simple yet deeply challenging question: What if someone slaps you? What would you do? Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek does not mean allowing harm to continue unchecked. It does not mean ignoring injustice. It does not mean staying silent in the face of evil. But it does challenge us to pause before reacting, to break the cycle of harm, and to choose a better way. This is not weakness—it is wisdom. It is the way of Christ. If we respond like everyone else—seeking revenge, reacting in anger—what difference does our faith make? Jesus said, “Even sinners do that” (Luke 6:32). But we are called to something higher.

The first step of the General Rule is Do No Harm. It is not just a principle—it is a way of life. Do not create more harm. Do not begin a new destructive cycle. Instead, break the chain of harm before it spreads. This is our calling as followers of Christ. Next Sunday, we will discuss the second rule: Do Good. Amen.