Out of Touch: A Reflection on Indifference and Compassion

One of the more immature, childish responses to suffering is to create a “shadow reality”, a life so far removed from the struggles of others that it seems almost fictional.

Consider the image of a luxury 27-story condominium rising above the slums of Mumbai. Is this mere insensitivity? Or is it a public declaration of indifference? Either way, it reflects a deeper human failure, not just a lack of emotional intelligence or awareness, but a willful disregard for the suffering of others, so long as that suffering doesn’t touch us personally.

The Bible is filled with cautionary stories like this. The rich man who ignored poor Lazarus at his gate (Luke 16:19–31). The priest and the Levite who passed by the injured man in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). And the cursed people who were cast aside by God for failing to care for “the least of these” in Matthew 25:31–46.

What’s striking and deeply troubling is that many who claim to be religious are often least moved by the pain of others. Faith becomes a cover for personal greed and ambition. Religion becomes a hypocritical performance, while compassion is left behind.

But the Christian story tells us something different. At the heart of our faith is the theology of the Incarnation: the Son of God became flesh and chose to dwell among us, not in palaces, but among the poor, the sick, the hopeless. Jesus entered into human suffering. He embraced the broken, healed the untouchables, and even confronted those enslaved by greed and lust for power.

As those who profess to follow Christ, we are faced with a choice.

Will we follow the path of the Son of God, who emptied himself to serve others? Will we walk among the hurting, offering presence and compassion? Or will we pursue power, comfort, and status, turning our backs on suffering, so long as we remain untouched?

In a world marked by inequality, conflict, and indifference, the question remains:

Which side are we on?