The General rules (2): Do Good

Introduction: The Power of Christian Choices

There’s a simple but insightful saying:

When unsure whether to go or not, go.

When unsure whether to buy or not, don’t buy.

When unsure whether to give or not, give.

As Christians, our decisions are not random; they reflect our calling. This is why John Wesley established three simple rules:

1. Do no harm.

2. Do good.

3. Stay in love with God.

Last week, we covered the first rule: Do No Harm. Avoiding harm is essential—when we resist retaliation, remain calm in conflict, or refuse to escalate negativity, we follow Christ’s way. But is that enough? What does it mean to do good, not just avoid harm?

Avoiding harm might feel like doing nothing, but it is an achievement. Yet, what about when there is no crisis—when life is peaceful? How does “Do No Harm” apply then? If we see a coworker being unfairly treated but stay silent, have we truly done our part? If we sense a friend struggling but don’t check in, is our inaction neutral? When we fail to do good, are we fully living out our faith?

Doing good is harder than it seems. We assume that because we are Christians, we will naturally act in righteousness. But history and psychology tell us otherwise. The Bystander Effect explains how people hesitate to help, assuming someone else will step in. Moral Licensing describes how we justify inaction—“I gave last time, so I don’t have to this time.” These barriers make doing good feel optional when, in reality, it is essential.

Today’s passage brings us to another miracle—Jesus feeding the four thousand. The disciples had already witnessed Jesus perform wonders: the lame walked, the blind saw, the mute spoke. Yet, when Jesus expressed concern for the hungry crowd, they hesitated. How could they possibly feed so many? They focused on their lack rather than the possibility of God’s provision.

But Jesus didn’t ask them to produce food from nothing. He simply asked, “What do you have?” They offered seven loaves and a few fish, a small amount compared to the need. Yet, Jesus gave thanks, broke the bread, and distributed it—and all were satisfied.

The lesson is clear: God does not ask us to achieve great things on our own. He asks us to offer what we have, no matter how small. We may feel inadequate—too busy, too tired, too limited—but when we act in faith, God multiplies our efforts.

James 4:17 reminds us: “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” The danger is not just in doing harm but in doing nothing. A well-known quote says, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” Doing good is not just a moral choice; it is an opportunity—to grow spiritually, to reflect Christ, and to be part of God’s work in the world.

Jesus’ miracle teaches us that our small acts of goodness can lead to something far greater than we imagine. We don’t need to have everything figured out. We just need to start—and God will take care of the rest.

Next week, we will cover the final rule: Stay in Love with God.