Verse Vital: Love That Troubled an Emperor

Essential Scripture

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

Brief Reflection

Constantine the Great is considered the first Roman Emperor to embrace Christianity. He famously legalised the faith and made it the official and favoured religion of the empire. His nephew, however — known as Julian but nicknamed the Apostate for rejecting Christianity — had other plans. He was no friend of Christianity. So he took it upon himself to remove Christianity and replace it with his preferred religious beliefs.

However, he had a jealous admiration of the practical love and hospitality Christians displayed, not only to each other but even towards their enemies and strangers. Benevolence, he claimed, led them to support "not only their own poor, but ours as well..." This troubled Julian so greatly that he ordered his priests to imitate Christian love and hospitality. It led to spectacular failure.

Jesus' command to love one another is not only difficult, but near impossible. The command to love sinful, broken, and difficult people is challenging enough, but attempting to do so in our own strength takes the difficulty to a whole new level. Love that is unattached to the most loving Being in creation will ultimately become performative, unsustainable, and tiring.

The Bible declares, "God is love" (1 John 4:8). This means love is not primarily something God does; it forms the very substance of His divine being. Therefore, genuine love finds its roots in God — in the spiritual. Jesus' command is not an arbitrary requirement — it is accompanied by the gift of a changed heart and the indwelling presence of God Himself (John 14:23). This converted heart — a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit called the new birth — is now fuelled and ready to love a dying and hopeless world. Yes, Jesus gives the command, but He also gives the Spirit's enabling power to both love and obey.

Finally, Jesus reminds us His own great love for sinners. His words "as I have loved you" tell of a sacrificial love for difficult, rebellious, and ungrateful people.

How am I obeying Jesus' command to love one another?

Guided Prayer

Heavenly Father, loving others brings glory to You. But, I have to confess, it's not always easy. I'm sorry that I've not lived up to Your command. Please stir my affections and grant me the strength needed to love others. Direct me to the gospel and cause me to remember the love shown at the cross for lost sinners like me. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Questions for Further Exploration

What did Christians do that caught Julian's attention and ire?

Why do you think Julian the Apostates ultimately failed?

Why is it difficult, even as a Christian, to love?

How has Jesus loved us?

How can love be practically shown?

What is the new birth?

About Verse Vital

Bite-sized, easy-to-read devotional posts crafted for those who are short on time but eager for spiritual nourishment. With its "Essential Scripture, Brief Reflection, Guided Prayer" format, each post delivers a quick yet profound insight—feeding the soul and engaging the mind.

Important Note Bible verses are always best understood when read in their full context. While Verse Vital focuses on one key verse in each post, readers are encouraged to study the surrounding passage to avoid missing the wider intention.

Details All posts at ThreeTen are 100% human-written (no AI used).

Credits Bible quotes are from the English Standard Version (ESV), and photos are via Unsplash.

Dedicated to my friend Stephen Samuel, whose generous gift inspired the concept behind Verse Vital.

Devotional #009