When you stand under another’s burdens with them, you have the ability to understand their pain. The word compassion literally means “to suffer with.”

In Greek, the word for callous means to cease to feel pain.

Most people find it natural to feel pain for orphans and widows. It’s not uncommon for people to pray for them or to spare a few dollars to provide a meal for them.

What is much rarer is to see those with genuine compassion. They see the lonely widow who needs a listening ear. They hear the orphan wail for her mom. It breaks their heart. And the only way to piece it back together is by adopting an orphan or regularly checking up on the widow.

Those with the most pain are the most (com)passionate about causes that prevent others from experiencing the same pain. They are restless with the energy of love. Their sacrifices for their causes are too extravagant and uncomfortable for us to comprehend.

There has never been anyone more passionate about the perilous condition of humanity (as a whole and individually) than God. He is the Father of compassion (2 Cor. 1:3). The Bible demonstrates His incredible resume of compassion: tax collectors, prostitutes, Israel, widows, orphans, Pharisees, everyone through the Cross. His compassion is perfect. God possesses more compassion than anyone. He is no stranger to pain, as many proclaim. God is the One who is the most intimate with pain.

God could choose to be callous, removing Himself from any involvement in the affairs of our microscopic planet. He has the option to experience no pain. Yet, here He is, praying for us so He can maintain a compassionate heart, diving into the midst of our pain, walking with us so that we can grow and experience joy.

He does this for everyone: Trump, Hitler, sex offenders, shoplifters, abusers; rude, obnoxious, entitled people; refugees, orphans, widows, prisoners, Muslims, atheists, prostitutes, terrorists, outcasts, you, me. Nobody is excluded.

The neurons of our hearts should receive pain signals when others are in pain, regardless of who they are. If your neurons are dead, they can be resurrected through prayer. Not obligatory prayer. Passionate, meditative, loving, genuine prayer. This will ignite your neurons with a roaring blaze.

Father, ignite compassion in us. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours.