Both Avraham and Lot did Hachnosas Orchim. But we don’t find any praise for Lot, despite his Mesirus Nefesh for his guests. What was lacking in his Chesed? The answer is that when Lot invited his guests, it says that the “Malachim” were coming; no wonder he was so nice and Moser Nefesh to treat them well! But by Avraham Avinu, he thought they were lowly Arabs. (Rashi). When you appreciate low people, it shows that you are really great and you really care.
STORY
A certain wealthy man prided himself as a Baal Chesed. He would invite prominent guests to his house, and all the Gedolei HaDor stayed by him. But when a simple Jew would knock at the door, he would not be admitted. R' Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev scolded him, explaining that Avraham Avinu was called “Ish HaChesed” because he invited ALL guests, even simple Arabs, whereas Lot, who also invited guests, only invited Malachim, not ordinary people.
By Lot it says: וַיֶּאֱהַל עַד סְד ם יג יב His encampment spanned until Sedom. He chose Sedom because of his love for money (it was a rich land); and Kavod, he eventually became a leader in Sedom. (Rashi). This is why he isn’t given much credit for his Hachnosas Orchim despite his Mesirus Nefesh.
Watch your Bain Adam La'chaveiro. When you are M'chabed a schleppy person, you show that you are real. Or else, you are only looking for Kavod, when you appreciate only Chashuva people. However, some people need to start with Shelo Li'shmah, and despite their Redifas HaKavod, they are aiming for an (eventually) true and pure goodness.
