13 Cheshvan, 5770 Vol. 11, No. 3 Parashas Lech Lecha
Let us step back and examine the situation: Avraham Avinu, the paradigm of kindness and the epitome of selflessness, has a disagreement take place between his shepherds and those of Lot. The Torah does not report any anger between Avraham and Lot themselves, rather that Avraham approaches Lot, and proposes a way to keep their shepherds from bickering. His idea is accepted by Lot and they settle the issue in a calm and peaceful way by agreeing to separate from each other. The problem was solved in a quick and reasonable manner.
How delicate and sensitive is the emotional response of a human being! Even our forefather Avraham would have been somewhat affected by some lingering hard feelings over their past disagreement, despite all his love for Lot and his kindness towards any person. Avraham felt that for him to properly exert himself to the required degree, he would first need a session of mussar study. Avraham needed to take a moment for introspection; time to concentrate on the special bond and relationship he shared with Lot. Only after this deliberation could Avraham summon all his energy and zeal to save Lot.