John Wesley, Loving One Another

John Wesley, Loving One Another

            John Wesley stands out as one of the most, if not the most, influential followers of Jesus in my life. His story and ministry have had a profound impact on my life and ministry, and this section is a prime example of why I value his legacy so highly. After warning me against pride (258-259), Wesley warns against the dangers of enthusiasm, that tendency to overspiritualize things, attributing to God things that just are not from him (259). Whether it is straying from scripture or seeking that “new thing” of God, this “enthusiasm can lead me away from God’s highest virtue – love (259).

            Wesley also points out two other items that can lead me away from Christ-like humility. First is the sin of lawlessness – believing that I can do anything I want because Jesus has forgiven me is a false doctrine and leads me away from holiness (260). It leads to the second item, desiring anything other than God (260-261). When I desire something, it must be a legitimate desire. When I am out on a business trip, and I forgo that beer or alcoholic drink, it makes a statement that I am living by a different standard. Paraphrasing Paul, drinking a beer is permissible, but not beneficial (I Corinthians 6:12; 10:23).

            The last section of this essay warns against schism. Schism is the breaking apart of believers – “ceasing to have reciprocal love” (261). This “inner disunity” (261) is toxic and can poison a Christian community. I know because my church just went through this. Several people left our church abruptly, without conversation with leadership, and then encouraged others to leave. Several of those who left and encouraged others to leave were in distinct positions to lead the offended people into reconciliation and forgiveness. Instead, they chose “inner disunity” as the way forward. They could have used Wesley’s warning on this issue.

All references with page numbers are from Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith, Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups, Revised and expanded (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2005).