Doing good for the poor
In the Roman Empire, the Church grew, and Christians were engaged in welfare and service of the people. Emperor Julian saw Christian charity as a threat to the traditional Roman religion and wanted to end that. Hence, he began a massive welfare system, opening temples and engaging the priests of those temples. That could not match the universal and organized care provided by the church, and it ended up as a massive failure.
Compelled by love The Church was involved in charity, social work, and welfare of the poor from the beginning of the Jerusalem church. (Acts 6:1-7) Apostle James taught that true spirituality is caring for widows, orphans, and the poor. (James 1:27) Paul writes that love of Christ compels or nudges believers to be engaged in the spiritual welfare of people that bring Shalom, wholesomeness. (II Corinthians 5:14) Christians had a divine calling, Spirit empowerment, and Word encouragement to be engaged with the poor and needy. In contrast, the earthly emperor’s power, provision, and support did not motivate or inspire the traditional religion priests to be involved like Christians.
Equipped for good work Paul writes to Timothy that the Word of God teaches the truth, trains in righteousness, and equips every believer to do every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17) This divine endowment provides supernatural vision, power, and energy to do work in the world that transforms culture, defeats false religions, and upsets political powers like that of Emperor Julian.
Models from scripture Christians had models to follow, especially from the gospels. The feeding of the five thousand inspired Christians to feed the poor and hungry. The Lord Jesus touching and healing the lepers inspired Christians to pioneer work among lepers and created the best treatment that is available today. Healing the man born blind encouraged Christians to be engaged in work among the people who had poor vision. The Lord healed the paralyzed man, which gave impetus for Christians to serve the differently abled people. The Church, as the Body of Christ, has demonstrated the same love, compassion, and power to serve.