In Parashat VaYikra, the Torah states “וַיִּטַּ֥ע אֶ֖שֶׁל בִּבְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיִּ֨קְרָא שָׁ֔ם בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְקוָ֖ק אֵ֥-ל עולם,” “Then Avraham planted an אֶ֖שֶׁל in בְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע and called there in the name of Hashem, the God of the universe” (VaYikra 21:33). What is the meaning of the אשל that Avraham planted? Taking each letter in אשל, we can derive 3 unique actions Avraham Avinu took to fulfill Hachnasat Orchim to the maximum extent possible. From the א, we learn אכילה, feeding them; from the ש, we learn שתיה, giving them drinks; from the ל, we learn לויה, giving them shelter. Avraham Avinu made sure his guests were as comfortable as possible.
But why does the Torah only hint at the Hachnasat Orchim through אשל instead of saying the actions explicitly? Furthermore, why does the Torah relate the Hachnasat Orchim performed with the Malachim – who do not need hospitality – instead of humans who need a place to eat, drink, and sleep? The answer is profound: there are two types of Chessed; the first category is when someone is clearly in need of help, and only then receives help, which is a great act of Chessed. However, a higher level is being proactive, anticipating that someone will need Chessed and mitigating the problem, or performing acts of Chessed towards everyone, not only the needy.
Avraham Avinu showed the enhanced type of Chessed when he took care of the Malachim who don't need eating, drinking, or serving. In our lives, we need to help those requiring help, but it is also important to assist perfectly independent people, if only for the sake of spreading Chessed: because it is the right thing to do.