Three Simple Rules Large Print: A Wesleyan Way of Living

by Rueben P. Job

Now Larger Print for Easier Reading

In Three Simple Rules , Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "do no harm, do good, stay in love with God," calls us to mutual respect, unity, and a deeper relationship with God. This insightful work is designed for individual reading or group study. 

“Every year I review the three general rules of the United Methodist Church with those who are being ordained. Now I have a wonderful ordination gift to give them in Bishop Job’s, Three Simple Rules , to start and deepen the conversation as they enter a new relationship with the church. Bishop Job has described “by attending upon all the ordinances of God” to be to “stay in love with God.” It’s a fresh language that speaks especially to long-time Christians and United Methodists.”     Sally Dyck, Resident Bishop, Minnesota Area

“Three Simple Rules is a new catechism for everyone wanting to follow Jesus Christ. These practices for holy living should replace the membership vows in every church! Don’t let the title fool you. Bishop Job writes, ‘The rules are simple, but the way is not easy. Only those with great courage will attempt it, and only those with great faith will be able to walk this exciting and demanding way.’”      John Hopkins, Resident Bishop, East Ohio Area

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Theology, Church

80 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2007

About the author

Rueben Philip Job (February 7, 1928 – January 3, 2015) was an American bishop of the United Methodist Church. Elected in 1984, he served the Iowa episcopal area and retired in 1992.

Reviews

[Heather]

The first chapter was a bit tough to get through. However, the next two chapters were engaging and were easier reading. I liked that he acknowledged that being generous doesn't mean you should give until you're the one in need. There's a balance between being selfish and selfless and we need to find that balance in our lives.

I liked the section at the very end that outlines little... "services" to follow through your day. I'm still working on applying that in my life, but that's a goal of mine for the new year.

[Beth Bryant]

What a gem this little book is! And it could have been written yesterday, it is so relevant for our time. I’ve read few books that were this clear, challenging, inspiring and encouraging. I highly recommend it for any follower of Christ, regardless of denomination, even if the subtitle is, “A Wesleyan Way of Living”.

I appreciate the gift, Carsten! :)

[Ron Willoughby]

1. Do no harm
2. Do good
3. Stay in love with God

Simple to say. Difficult to live. Worth the effort.

Few of us can say that we have lived honorable lives. But by God’s grace, pursuing these three rules, maybe we can die with honor.

[Dave]

So simple yet so profound. You might want to read this little treasure.

[Joshua Pearsall]

This book has made it into my MUST READS category. A beautiful short read with powerful but simple insights into ways to live out the Christian life amidst a culture that is not friendly to Christian life, with critiques on how our culture can hinder our life that we may learn to avoid these pitfalls. I will be writing a much more in depth review on my blog (https://practicalchristianlessons.wor...), but I want to share this wonderful section of the book from pages 47-8.

"Living in this new way never suggests that self care is unimportant or unnecessary. loving oneself does demand caring for oneself in a culture and in systems that are often destructive to self. And that self-care begins with the acknowledgement and reminder that each one of us is the object of God's love. Each one of us is embraced in the unlimited, saving, and transforming love of God... When this knowledge is deeply embedded within, we are better able to see the distinction between denying self and caring for self. This knowledge of my true self can free me from having to control everything and can place me on a path of greater trust in God and greater capacity to live fully and faithfully. Would it free me to do good, all the good I can? I have a feeling it would be a good place to begin."

Ruben continues on to the next rule that allows us to do this, and allows us to do anything & continue in the Christian life. Loving God.

[Dana Stanciu]

A MUST READ! This is a small book with a remarkably deep and lasting message. In simple, reflective language, Rueben P. Job presents a clear and practical summary of Christian living drawn from the Wesleyan tradition. The book centers on three guiding principles: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God, and shows how these ideas move beyond theory into daily practice.

What makes this book especially meaningful is its simplicity. The message is not complicated, yet it challenges the reader to examine their actions, words, and intentions with honesty. The sections shown throughout the book emphasize that living faithfully requires humility, discipline, and trust in God’s guidance. The reflections on “doing no harm” stand out in particular, reminding readers that kindness, restraint, and compassion are active choices that shape both personal relationships and the wider world. "Do no harm with any word or deed" - what a great reminder!

The tone of the book feels pastoral and encouraging rather than demanding. Job gently invites readers into a way of life rooted in love: love for God and love expressed through service and care for others. The passages about staying in love with God highlight how spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and serving others naturally flow together, forming a life that reflects faith in action.

Though brief, the book carries a sense of quiet depth. It is well suited for personal reflection, devotional reading, or discussion in small groups. Its message feels timeless, offering guidance that is both spiritually grounding and deeply relevant to modern life.

Overall, Three Simple Rules is an inspirational and accessible summary of the Christian way of living. It leaves the reader encouraged to pursue a life marked by grace, compassion, and intentional love = simple rules that, when lived faithfully, have the power to transform both the individual and the community around them.

[Paula]

The book is based on Wesley's three simple rules: Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love With God.
The editor, Rueben P. Job, says in his preface that these three rules "have the power to change the world." I'm a Wesleyan and am familiar with the Discipline. Epigraphs for each of the three chapters are taken from Psalms and the New Testament.
This is a book which can be read perhaps in one sitting, but I believe it needs to be read more slowly so the reader may chew on the wisdom of Wesley. For instance:

"When I am determined to do no harm to you, I lose my fear of you; and I am able to see you and hear you more clearly."

This tiny little book includes a Daily Guide to Prayer and believe it or not, the musical rendition of "Stay in Love With God," which is adapted from words by John Wesley.
I'll be reading the book repeatedly because there's so much to learn and apply. Certainly it will take a lifetime for me to be true to its principles.

[Tracy]

Our church is reading this in conjunction with a sermon series on John Wesley's rules for living. I really enjoyed it and will read it again in the future.

[Jon]

This little book is full of challenge for those of us who profess to be Methodist and followers of the Wesleyan way of living. Do good, do no harm, and stay in love with God. So simple, but so challenging in today's environment of divisiveness and judgmentalism. If we truly want to do good, then we need to understand what good is for each person we encounter. Same with the admonition to do no harm. We really need to think through all these complex issues in light of these simple rules.

I found Rueben Job to be a straightforward author with a simple approach to these "Three Simple Rules", but with challenging discussions presented that urges us to be better people by being better followers of Christ.

[John Dobbs]

Although it is a small book that won't take you very long to read, it is a book that will take a lifetime to put into practice. Reuben P. Job's brief presentation of Three Simple Rules of John Wesley are wonderful guidelines for every day. The prayer suggestions at the end are excellent. Along with some of Mr. Job's other books, this one is a treasure because it is small enough that I will not mind taking it up frequently for a refresher. It would make an excellent gift for someone just starting their spiritual journey - or even an old hat like me.

[Terri Milstead]

Great little book that contemporizes Wesley's General Rules for the modern day Christian. Job's focus on the tenants of "Do no harm, Do good, and Stay in love with God" are challenging, yet simple to understand. There are good materials at the back of the book for use during the day for prayer and meditation. I definitely plan to use the evening materials starting soon. I use Job's A Guide to Prayer for All God's People daily in my morning discipline and highly recommend it, as well. The format in that book is what he lays out for morning in this book.

[Wendy Hall]

A simple book and yet so profound and difficult to fully implement in one's life. I will definitely need to re-read this and process more. We read it for Sunday School and did not at all have enough time to discuss, so we have set aside three weeks in the fall to really get into it as a group.

Do no harm.
Do good.
Stay in love with God.

Three simple rules. And yet we miss them daily.

[Libby]

Despite the title, Job does not give a simplistic take on these three simple rules. I found his suggestions and reflections to be realistic, helpful, and still faithful to Christian discipleship in the Wesleyan tradition.

[Jeri Penrod]

Focused and inviting

I found this book to focus on the importance and biblical foundations of the three rules of the Wesleyan tradition. This book blessed me in a time I needed to learn what was offered in its pages. A simple but challenging call to follow Jesus more intentionally

[Tina Simmons]

Quick, easy read, but full of goodness.

This is my introduction to Methodist theology. It opened my eyes to a lot of truths revealed in the Methodist doctrines. Truths that are relevant to today’s struggles more than ever before. Lots to chew & digest here.

[Gilbert C. Hanke]

Essential Wesleyan Essential Guide to A!!

In these days of division, rereading this book gives me hope, and a direction of how I will conduct myself. I have read this short, direct book several times, each reading challenges me to move more constantly in the correct direction.

[Sandra]

A wonderful summary of what it truly is to be a Methodist. 1) do no harm 2) do good 3) stay in a loving relationship with God. In addition, it provides prayer cues for all times of the day. A keeper.

[Patty Hooker]

If I could just reread this book every so often as a reminder about what is important, I would be better off. I loved the "Prayer at the beginning of the day" on Page 69. This book is short and sweet and I loved it.

[Allison]

Just did a quick re-read for sermon prep. foundational to how I view my calling and life in ministry.

[Sarah]

Small little book but great at exploring John Wesley three rules for living.

[Curtis Flake]

A book that should probably be re-read as often as you can. A book that makes your brain continue to articulate the story for your own life application.

[Robert Conder]

The book is great for understanding the rules laid out by John Wesley. It is true the rules are simple and easy to understand but take work and prayer to follow.

[Lena Denman]

This book demonstrates three simple rules that John Wesley taught. The rules are very simple to understand and far more difficult to place into practice in every day living.

[Megan]

The best part comes from small group discussion (not included).

[Sharon Zink]

The three rules are: Do no harm; do good; and stay in love with God.

[Mike]

Short read on Wesley’s three simple rules. While the rules are simple, application can be a challenge this book gave some concrete suggestions of how to live by these rules.

[Pearl]

Important, basic for all Christians.

[Mr. Perry]

(review coming later)

[Lori Beard]

Really good content great rules to live by, but the reading of it was rather dry.

[Donny]

Gets right to the point. Simple instructions, though tough to live by.