Though Avraham often welcomed guests into his home, his purpose was not merely to do physical kindness with them, but spiritual kindness, by bringing them closer to the Creator he had discovered in nature and the world. He wanted others to know the joy of knowing they have someone above them who cares about their lives, and he did so by bringing them into his home.
As there was a custom to worship earth, he would have his guests wash their feet before enjoying his hospitality. He did not want this idolatrous substance in his home or vicinity. However, Avraham’s method of bringing people closer to Hashem was very well thought out.
He did not go around berating people and telling them how evil they were. Instead, he made them feel welcome and desired in his presence. When he mentioned the water to wash their feet, he did it in a pleasant, non-threatening way. Because he did so, they were more likely to accept it from him. Had they resisted, he undoubtedly would have found some way to convince them how it would be beneficial for them.
About the Torah it is said, “It’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.” We learn from our forefather Avraham that if you want to bring people closer to Hashem, the way to do it is by being sweet and loving, not by pointing fingers and telling them THEY’RE the problem with this world. Because if you want to know the truth, people who blame others miss the point that they are really part of the problem with the world. Be like Avraham and welcome people to Hashem’s world.
