THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Observe the profound wisdom and remarkable humility displayed by a virtuous individual. Consider, dear friends, the detrimental effects of wealth and the chaos that arises from excessive abundance. As herds proliferate and wealth increases, harmony quickly deteriorates, giving way to conflict and strife where once there was tranquility and love. Indeed, the presence of ownership breeds discord, while the absence of such divisions fosters peace and unity. To affirm this truth, heed the account of the early believers as shared by the blessed Luke: “There was,” he states, “one heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32). This does not imply that they possessed a singular soul, for how could many bodies share one soul? Rather, it illustrates the strong bond of agreement among them.
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If even the righteous Abram had lacked generosity and understanding, he might have responded with anger and retorted to Lot, “What audacity is this? How dare your household speak against mine? Have you forgotten the distance between us? From where did your riches come? Was it not through my efforts? Who nurtured you? Was I not the one who cared for you and treated you like a father? Is this the gratitude I receive for my kindness? Did I not take you with me everywhere, expecting something in return? Should you not at least respect my old age and honor my gray hair?” But instead, Abram disregarded such resentful thoughts. He sought only to quell the impending conflict, devising a peaceful means of parting to protect his household from distress. “Is not the entire land before you?” he proposed. “If you wish to go left, I will go right; if you choose right, I will go left.” Witness the meekness of this righteous man, demonstrating to Lot that he is not acting out of selfishness or a desire to sever ties, but rather in pursuit of peace to prevent ongoing discord within their homes.
Through his words, Abram calms Lot’s anger, granting him complete freedom of choice and generously offering all the land: “Is not all the land before you? Choose whichever you desire; I will gladly take whatever remains.” How remarkable is the righteousness of the virtuous man! He seeks not to burden his nephew in any way. Recognizing the necessity of their separation to resolve the quarrel, he enables Lot to choose and freely take the land he believes is best, leaving the rest for himself. Would anyone offer such generosity to an equally aged sibling as the patriarch did for his nephew? Even if he had chosen beforehand the prime land for himself and left Lot with the remainder, he would have performed a notable act. Yet, knowing both the magnitude of his virtue and the importance of preventing any dissatisfaction from their division, he fully entrusts Lot with the decision, stating: “All... the earth is before you... separate yourself from me,” and take whatever land you desire.