If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3
“Riches are then to be partaken of rationally, bestowed lovingly, not sordidly, or pompously; nor is the love of the beautiful to be turned into self-love and ostentation…The best of maxims, then, ought to be perpetually repeated, “That the good man, being temperate and just,” treasures up his wealth in heaven.”
Clement of Alexandria (150-215) in Paedagogus (The Instructor) chapter 6, “The Christian Alone Rich.”
Since only those who know Christ can possibly possess true riches, Clement the Instructor, reminds us what to do with them. We must bestow them with the one trait for which Christ would have us be known: love.
Too many people focus on self-love. It’s the opposite of bestowing lovingly.
We must live with unselfish awareness toward others. That’s a trait I see in my Alexandrian hostess, Ereny Monir. She may call it Egyptian hospitality, but it appears as unselfish awareness of the needs of others and a willingness to bestow lovingly with temperance and justice.
What will your reputation be when you host visitors this Advent season? I suggest you bestow lovingly with temperance and justice. That means you make everyone around you feel deeply loved, just like Jesus would do if He was in the room.