GIFTS OF LOVE REFLECT THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST
There were nearly 34 million Christians in the world by 350 A.D. Many scholars believe that Christianity’s explosive growth was at least due in part to the early Christians’ compassionate treatment of the poor. Their generosity was so effective that pagan groups began copying from it to increase their numbers. A letter from the Roman Emperor Julian (known as Julian the Apostate) recommended that they start acting more like the Christians and giving more to those in need.
Emperor Julian wrote: “We ought then to share our money with all people, but more generously with the good, and with the helpless and poor so as to suffice for their need. And I will assert that it would be a pious act to share our clothes and food even with the wicked. For it is disgraceful that, when no Jew ever has to beg, and the impious Galileans [the Christians] support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see our people lack aid from us.”
Never forget the powerful and transformative influence of agape, generous sacrificial love.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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