There's a well-known saying that "they will know we are Christians by our love," echoing the message of John 13:35, where Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” This love was not only a defining feature of early Christianity but a powerful force that led people to forsake all earthly possessions, moved rulers, and inspired martyrs to face death with grace and hope.
This radical love shocked rulers and onlookers alike. For example, Roman Emperor Julian (1), who tried to revive paganism, remarked with frustration about the love of Christians, stating, “The impious Galileans support not only their poor but ours as well, everyone can see that our people lack aid from us.” This movement of love was not only social but spiritual, guiding early believers like Ignatius of Antioch, who, on his way to martyrdom, wrote, “Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God.”
However, over time, some Christians have lost sight of the kindness that initially brought people to faith. As Romans 2:4 reminds us, “It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance.” When Christians embody this kindness and love, they mirror the heart of God, drawing people toward a genuine encounter with Him.
(1) Julian the Roman Emperor:
Emperor Julian, also known as Julian the Apostate, ruled as Roman Emperor from 361 to 363 AD. He attempted to restore traditional Roman religious practices and diminish the influence of Christianity, which had grown substantially under previous emperors. In his efforts to revive paganism, Julian became notably frustrated with the charity and dedication of the Christian community, which he believed was undermining his goals to reestablish the old Roman religious order.
In a letter to Arsacius, the High Priest of Galatia, Julian expressed his frustration at the effectiveness of Christian charity, stating:
>"The impious Galileans support not only their poor but ours as well; everyone can see that our people lack aid from us."
This statement reflects his acknowledgment of the Christians’ remarkable reputation for love and service, which had a profound impact on society at the time. Despite Julian’s efforts, his short reign and attempts to reverse the influence of Christianity ultimately failed, and the faith continued to grow, partly because of this charitable and communal love.
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