Callous

Proverbs 11:17 AMPC

The merciful, kind, and generous man benefits himself [for his deeds return to bless him], but he who is cruel and callous [to the wants of others] brings on himself retribution.

Mark 6:52 AMPC

For they failed to consider or understand [the teaching and meaning of the miracle of] the loaves; [in fact] their hearts had grown callous [had become dull and had lost the power of understanding].

A callous often forms over a wound, it's a defence mechanism to prevent being hurt again .

The root of the word is from Latin and it means hard skin.

I've developed some where my Roki pulls on his lead when he sees another dog and I have to restrain him. At first it was very sore, but now I don't feel anything except a yanked shoulder!

That sort of callous is helpful - the same thing happens when learning the guitar. At first you go through blistered fingertips as the strings cut into the tender skin, but, after a while, hard skin is formed which makes playing easy.

The last thing I need is for hard skin to form over my heart. It can happen in response to being hurt by someone or something or by doing something repeatedly against conscience. But what good is a heart or conscience if it cannot feel?

I'm reminded of the old song:

Soften my heart Lord, soften my heart

From all indifference set me apart

To feel your compassion

To weep with your tears

Soften my heart O Lord

Soften my heart:

https://youtu.be/2zDBJI-meL4

I say to my soul, don't be afraid to hurt, for Jesus Himself was a Man of sorrows acquainted with bitterest grief (Isaiah 53:3).

Be afraid instead of becoming calloused.