Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 1 John 2:15
“Visitors are not to go away with an impression that the monks live in luxury. If a guest does not care for the entertainment provided, he need not come again. Suppose that a stranger comes to us. If he is a brother, and leads the same life, he will not object to having the same table. For he will only find what he has left at home…
But if he is of the world, he will learn from our deeds that which words could not teach him, and will see a practical example of frugality with contentment. He will go away with a recollection of true Christian fare, and of poverty endured without shame for Christ’s sake. If, however, he is not thus impressed, but is disposed to ridicule our doings, he will not trouble us a second time.”
Basil of Caesarea (330-379) as recounted in Basil and His Rule (London: Oxford University Press, 1912) 121.
Early church fathers, like Basil of Caesarea, taught fellow disciples to avoid giving the impression of living in “luxury” but to exhibit “frugality with contentment.”
What impression do people get when they see how you live?
This relates to generosity, for Basil, in that our way of living is to provide a practical example for others how to live. If they love the world, they will not embrace it.
If are likeminded, they will feel right at home.
Jesus wants us to look different our culture (a.k.a. “the world”) where we live. “True Christian fare” reflects hospitality and poverty and is countercultural and generous.