Avraham was sitting: פֶּתַח הָאֹהֶל כְּחֹם הַיּוֹם, “…at the entrance of the tent in the heat of the day”. (Gen. 18,1) Rashi states that the sun was shining so as to prevent visitors coming to Avraham since he was still recovering from his circumcision. When he was peeved that no one was coming Hashem sent the three messengers.
Avraham, on the other hand, took a lesson from the sun. The sun shines on everyone, the good and the bad alike. Hence, he too was willing and anxious to greet any stranger that appeared near his tent. Before he knew who these three messengers were he invited them in and offered them water and a meal.
This is a wonderful trait if we could only imitate it. We should deal with everyone politely and with respect even if we know they don’t deserve it. We never know the effect and the influence we can have on a person. It is not an easy quality to develop, but it certainly is worth striving for.
Many years ago a little black boy had to leave his home at the age of seven and was out on the streets singing for coins. A Jewish family took him in and raised him and bought him a trumpet. He later was known as Louis Armstrong. He wrote a book about the family and wore a Star of David all his life. All because of the kindness of one family!
Torah Portion 