He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” (Luke 7:13–16; NKJV)

Compassion is a very popular idea today. In the 21st century West, compassion, often understood as “being nice,” is a cardinal virtue. Western culture goes so far as to argue that a compassionate God must accept us, even our sin, without consequence, while also arguing that, since pain and suffering exist, the compassionate God of Christianity cannot exist.