In Bereshit 18:2 it is written ‘Three men [angels] stood over him [Avraham]’ and later in 18:8, ‘he [Avraham] stood over them [the angels]’.

How do we understand that the angels first stood over Avraham and later he stood over them?

“Rabbi Tzadok HaCohen teaches that this shift is due to Avraham’s heightened spiritual level as a result of the manner in which he performed the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim – hosting guests.

The greatness of Avraham’s actions lies not in the physical act itself, but in the amazing passion, energy, joy, and enthusiasm that flowed from his heart in the performance of this mitzvah.

The Zohar teaches us that the value of our deeds is proportionate to the intensity of the love, passion, and excitement with which we infuse them. This concept is expressed in the Torah [Devarim 30:14] ‘This matter [The Torah] is very close unto you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.’

To the extent one fulfills the mitzvos with love and passion, Hashem reciprocates and blesses him with a swelling of love and enthusiasm that in turn enables him to successfully carry out his desires to fulfill the mitzvos.

‘The beloved One [i.e., Hashem] wants our heart.’

When we perform the mitzvos with our hearts filled with joy and love for Hashem, we are soaring above the angels.”