What is Mine to Do? Part 6
May 31, 2026
What is Mine to Do? Part 6
There is a saying that makes a lot of sense to me: Live and let live. The saying is old and comes from the Dutch proverb “Leven ende laten leven,” which was recorded as early as 1622 by Gerard de Malynes in his work, The Ancient Law-Merchant. It was later adopted into English as a principle of tolerance in 17th-century merchant philosophy. In general, it means to give others who are different from us a wide berth of acceptance because that creates harmony among us.
I tend to live and let live. There are very few differences that I have with others that I cannot be accepting of. And if I cannot accept these, I struggle until I eventually reach a place of peace. Yet when it comes to those whom I am responsible for, that is a different story. Children, pets, and anyone I am to take care of in any way, I cannot live and let live. To do so, I would fall down on my responsibility.
Jesus affirmed a kind of “live and let live” policy regarding humility and restraint. He warned against harsh judgment: “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). He also refused to coerce belief or force people into change. When people rejected him, he often moved on. In that sense, he respected human freedom.
The saying can apply not only to others but also to ourselves. Our inner critic sometimes won't leave us alone. It will monitor, punish, and verbally abuse us. It uses guilt, shame, and insecurity to make us feel “less than.” We cannot let such torture continue; we cannot say to ourselves, “Oh, that’s just my inner critic— I will live and let the inner critic live.” But if the inner critic will not let us live freely, fully, and abundantly, we cannot let it live.
When it comes to relationships, Jesus consistently called people to transformation. His message was active, not hands-off: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He told people to love not just those who agree with them, but even their enemies. He confronted hypocrisy, challenged injustice, and urged people to change their hearts and lives. Remember when Martha criticized Mary to Jesus, saying that Mary wasn’t pulling her load at the gathering? Jesus instructed Martha that she was wrong to monitor Mary, and that Mary’s listening to the teachings was far more important than doing the chores.
So, where “live and let live” can mean “you do your thing, I’ll do mine, and we won’t get involved,” Jesus’ way is what is ours to do.
Live with compassion
Let others be free
But don’t be indifferent to truth, right action, love, or suffering
He engaged. He cared. He spoke up. And he invited people into a deeper way of living. A more Jesus-aligned version of that proverb might sound like: “Live in love and help others live more fully in truth.” So, he wouldn’t likely reject the spirit of peace behind “live and let live”—but he might challenge its passivity if it was harmful.
Spiritual practice: Read the story (Luke 10: 38-42) in which Jesus said to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” What is the story saying to you?
Self-inquiry: How is “live and let live” the best advice for you to follow in your family? When is it not?
Prayer:
Dear God, Help me know who needs me, Amen
