Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre... (Gen 14,11-13)

There was a tribal war around the Dead Sea, about 60 km from where Abram was staying. The tribes, subjugated for years, revolted and tried to escape from the domination of the stronger ones, but failed. The invaders then plundered the entire area, including the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abram was far enough, and especially high in the mountains, so as not to be personally affected by this incident, but... it was his nephew, Lot, who had settled in Sodom.

Demonstrating generosity to those who have not shown it to us requires a man of character. Couldn't Abram have been tempted to think: It has nothing to do with me, Lot now has what he wanted, after all he chose a better part of the land and now was struck by a fair destiny? How human would it only have been...

But it is clear that Abram did not inwardly separate from him even after their split-up. This fact also proves Abram's character as "abba", the father of the family: he continues to feel responsible for the younger Lot, even though he may be disappointed by his actions. It would have been easier and much less risky for him to give up on him and leave him in trouble, persuaded that it was only what he deserved.

After all, who knows how Lot would have behaved in his place?