Daily Devotional: Worth the Risk

By David A. Case

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NKJV)

When we choose a connected lifestyle, we choose relationship pain. That sentence is not cynical. It is simply honest. People are imperfect. We misunderstand one another. We hurt one another. Even those who love us most will sometimes fail us. Connection brings risk because connection gives people access. Yet to choose a life without relationship is to miss the very essence of what is good in life. Love, friendship, community, family, spiritual growth, and healthy accountability all require connection.

This is where forgiveness becomes central. Forgiveness is not a side topic in Christianity. It may be the single most important topic because the connected life will require it again and again. Without forgiveness, relationships cannot survive. Without forgiveness, community becomes a battlefield. Without forgiveness, woundedness accumulates and turns the heart hard.

Two life sayings are especially helpful here. “What I hold on to, holds on to me.” That is painfully true. A grudge feels like power at first, yet it becomes bondage over time. It locks attention to the point of violation. It keeps the wound fresh. It keeps the offender emotionally present even if they are physically absent. It makes the heart rehearse the pain as if replaying the scene could rewrite the outcome. It cannot. Holding on does not fix. Holding on binds.

The second saying is equally important: “God comes to those who make room for Him.” Unforgiveness takes up space. It occupies the inner room where God wants to dwell in fullness. It steals focus and energy. It produces negative heart flows that shape the future in a destructive direction. When I hold on to pain, I make less room for God. When I release pain, I make space for His presence. That space matters because God can comfort, heal, guide, and restore in ways I cannot.

So forgiveness is not mainly a moral duty. It is a path toward freedom and a path toward God. It is the decision to stop letting the violation define my life. It is the decision to get my focus back. It is the decision to open room for the Spirit to flow.

Connected living does not mean I tolerate abuse. It does not mean I pretend sin is harmless. It means I live in reality, and I choose to respond in a way that does not destroy my heart. Forgiveness is the way the Christian stays connected without being poisoned by the pain of connection.

Today I choose connection as the better life. I choose to forgive as the way to stay human, stay tender, and stay close to God.

Reflection Question

What have I been holding onto that is now holding onto me?

Prayer

Father, I choose the connected life, and I confess I am afraid of the pain that can come with it. Teach me forgiveness as a pathway to freedom and closeness with You. Help me release what I have been holding so You have room to work in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Obedience Step for Today

Write down one relationship pain you still rehearse. Pray, “Lord, I make room for You here,” and ask Him to begin showing you what forgiveness will look like in that situation.

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This devotional was inspired by the book Heart Change Handbook by David A. Case. If you found it helpful, please consider it for your own self-study and suggest it to your church small group or recovery community as a basis for small group study.

Heart Change Handbook

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If this message has encouraged you to pursue deeper transformation, I invite you to continue the journey through The Heart Change Handbook. It provides a practical, biblical path for spiritual growth and is an excellent resource for church small groups and recovery communities. Consider getting your copy today and introducing it to your group as a guide toward meaningful heart change.

👉 Learn more about Small Group Resources from Heart Change U.