His history

JEWISH ACTOR PAUL RUDD LEARNS ABOUT HIS FAMILY'S DIFFICULT HISTORY

Live From the Great Synagogue

ANCIENT TOMB OF JEWISH PROPHET 'IN DANGER' AMID IRAQ-KURDISH TENSIONS

We are taught that Avrohom was the epitome of Chesed. Yet the stories in the Torah about him are rather few and far between. The highlight is how he ran out to fetch guests on a hot day while he was recovering from his Bris. The Mashgiach Rav Gedalia Eiseman zt"l asks what is so super special about this story. Sure it was a great act of Chesed but wherein lies the greatness? After Avrohom runs out to bring in the three travelers he makes his pitch for them to come to his house to eat and rest. Their response to him is "Vayoimru Kein Taaseh Kaasher Dibarta" (Vayeira 18:5), Yes, you will do as you offered. What did the Malachim mean by this?

Rav Gedalia explains that when we do Chesed we feel very good about ourselves and we often over extend ourselves in an effort to please our beneficiaries. But all this usually comes with one condition, we are the generous giver and they are appreciative recipient. As soon as the recipient begins to demand, the Chesed becomes less appealing to us and we let them know subtly or not so subtly who the boss is.

Not so was Avrohom. He offered the Malachim a little bread and rest. They crudely responded that Avrohom should do as he offered. Yet instead of getting turned off by their response, Avrohom did the opposite. "Vayimaher" he ran to serve them and gave them far more than he promised! That is the epitome of Chesed for Chesed sake and not kindness as a way of making ourselves feel good and mighty to those who need us.
http://www.revach.net/parshas-hashavua/life-lessons/Parshas-Vayeira-Rav-Gedalia-Eiseman-The-Greatness-of-Avrohoms-Chesed/5253