Sermon Recap: Wesley’s Three General Rules

What God Really Wants: A Reflection from the Pew

Scripture: Micah 6:5–8
Theme: Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love with God

Sitting in worship this past Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, I found myself both challenged and comforted. The message centered on one of the most straightforward and yet deeply profound scriptures in the Bible—Micah 6:8:

“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

It’s a verse I’ve heard before, but this time, our pastor connected it to something I hadn’t thought about in a while—The Three General Rules of the United Methodist Church:
✅ Do No Harm
✅ Do Good
✅ Stay in Love with God

These three simple statements, passed down from John Wesley, align so perfectly with what Micah was saying centuries earlier. Sometimes in church, I can get caught up in wondering if I’m doing enough or doing the right things. But this message reminded me that discipleship isn’t about being busy—it’s about being faithful.

Do No Harm

As I sat there, I thought about how hard this can be in practice—especially when I feel hurt or offended. But doing no harm is more than just “not being mean.” It’s about choosing grace, not gossip. Choosing understanding, not judgment. There are moments when tensions rise. But this rule—do no harm—is a call to pause, to listen, and to protect the peace God calls us to live in.

Do Good

Pastor Matt reminded us that “loving mercy” means stepping out and doing good—not just thinking good thoughts. Whether it's volunteering at a local school, offering a meal, or simply reaching out to someone who feels forgotten, this part of the sermon stirred something in me. Is there something God is calling you to do that you’ve been putting off? Let this be a nudge to take the first step and Do Good!

Stay in Love with God

Finally, we were reminded to walk humbly with God—or as Wesley put it, stay in love with God. It’s easy to forget that our spiritual health needs regular attention. What does staying in love with God look like? Daily prayer, being in the Word, and showing up on Sundays—even when life feels chaotic. At Heritage UMC, I’m grateful to be surrounded by others who encourage me in that walk.

A Simple, Powerful Reminder

This sermon didn’t add more to my to-do list. It refocused me. In a world full of noise and distraction, it gave me clarity: Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly.
And in true Methodist fashion: Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.

That’s the kind of disciple I want to be—and I’m thankful that at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, I don’t walk that path alone.

If you missed the sermon this week, you can watch it HERE.