Why God Cares About Our Suffering—And Why We Should Care, Too
What Is Divine Pathos?
Have you ever wondered if God really feels what we feel? The idea of divine pathos is all about just that. Simply put, divine pathos means God is not distant or cold—God actually cares deeply about what happens to people, especially those who are suffering or treated unfairly. This idea shows us a God who isn’t above emotion, but is moved by love, sadness, and even anger when people hurt each other. Understanding this can change the way we see God and our role in the world.
God Feels With Us
Some people imagine God as unfeeling or completely removed from our daily struggles. But Jewish thinker Abraham Joshua Heschel, Polish-American rabbi taught that the God of the Bible is anything but indifferent. According to Heschel, God feels with us—He rejoices when we do good and mourns when we cause harm. For Heschel, the prophets of the Bible (like Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah) show God’s emotional involvement. They describe God’s heartbreak over injustice and His passionate call for fairness and kindness.
This stands in contrast to the idea of “impassibility,” the belief that God can’t be affected by our actions. Divine pathos insists God is emotionally invested, especially when it comes to the vulnerable and oppressed. The Bible is full of moments where God reacts to human suffering, not with cold logic, but with a compassionate—and sometimes angry—heart.
God’s Heart for Justice
Who are the vulnerable? The Bible often mentions “the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the poor”—those most at risk of being overlooked or mistreated. For example, in the book of Exodus, God hears the cries of the Israelites suffering as slaves in Egypt and acts to rescue them. In the prophets, God’s anger burns against those who “sell the righteous for silver” or “trample on the heads of the poor” (see Amos 2:6-7). God’s emotional response is clear: injustice and oppression matter deeply to Him.
Again and again, the message is this: When people suffer, God doesn’t just notice—He cares. He feels their pain, and He wants things to be made right.
Understanding Justice and Righteousness
In the Bible, two words come up a lot when talking about how people should treat each other: mishpat (justice) and tzadeqah (righteousness). Justice (mishpat) doesn’t just mean punishing wrongdoers—it’s about making things right, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring fairness. Righteousness (tzadeqah) means living in right relationships with others, acting with kindness, honesty, and generosity.
Together, these words show us God’s dream for the world: a place where everyone is treated with dignity and care, and where no one is left out or mistreated. This vision goes far beyond laws or rules—it’s about a world where compassion and fairness shape every interaction.
How Should We Respond?
If God is so deeply moved by suffering and injustice, what does that mean for us? It means we’re called to care, too. We can follow God’s example by standing up for people who are hurting, speaking out against unfairness, and helping those in need.
- Listen to those who are struggling—sometimes just being present makes a difference.
- Speak up when you see injustice, whether it’s at school, work, or in your community.
- Help by supporting organizations that serve the poor, the lonely, or the oppressed.
- Show kindness in everyday life—small acts of compassion reflect God’s heart in big ways.
Why It Matters
Divine pathos shows us that God is not far away or unmoved by our lives. He is deeply involved, feeling with us—especially when things aren’t right. This matters because it means our pain, and the pain of others, matters to God. When we care for the vulnerable, we mirror God’s own compassion.
Let’s not turn away from suffering or injustice. Instead, let’s let God’s emotional involvement inspire us to act with love, courage, and hope. By doing so, we become partners with God in making the world a more just and compassionate place.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 