The Connection Corner

Kindness in the Crossfire

Ephesians 4:31-32 — Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

You know, there’s a different kind of sting when someone doesn’t just hurt you, but they actually criticize you to a boss, coworker, or friend.

They didn’t come to you first and say, “Hey, I didn’t like the way you handled that.”

They went around you and over you.

I experienced that recently. And I have to tell you, I felt it deeply. I felt blindsided. Betrayed. It got to the point where I didn’t even want to be in the same room with them.

But here’s what the Holy Spirit keeps whispering to my heart:

“You don’t have to win this. Just represent me.”

He reminded me that as a Christian, I’m called to put away the things that grow sharp inside me—bitterness, anger, and offense. And in their place, choose a different way—a way that looks like kindness when it’s not deserved.

Jesus understood what it meant to be misrepresented too.

People twisted His words. They questioned His motives and talked about Him instead of to Him. And still—He didn’t lash out. He didn’t scramble to protect His image. He stayed anchored in something deeper than public opinion.

So, here’s the hard truth I’m learning: you can’t control how they handled it, but you can control what it grows inside you.

Being Christ-like doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t hurt. It means refusing to let the hurt harden you. You’re choosing to stay free instead of becoming bitter. Because when you honor God, the victory shows up in the moments you refuse to plant bitter seeds.

So today, if something happens that stings, I want to encourage you to pause before reacting. Let the wave of emotion pass. Then deliberately choose who you are going to represent in that moment. Even at the heart level.

Lay down the need to be right and pick up kindness… tenderhearted… forgiving—just like you’ve been forgiven. Lean into compassion. Choose forgiveness—even if it’s one step at a time.

Because the real victory isn’t proving a point. It’s protecting your heart.

When you refuse to plant bitterness, you make room for something better to grow.

And that changes you.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

When someone hurts you, what tends to grow in your heart first—bitterness or grace?
Is there a situation right now where you feel misunderstood or misrepresented?
What would it look like to “represent Christ” in that situation instead of defending yourself?
Are you holding onto offense that is beginning to harden your heart?
What is one practical step you can take today toward kindness or forgiveness?

May 1, 2026/by Tammi Arender

Peace That Overcomes Panic

Daily Devotional, Denise Pagano

Proverbs 19:23 — Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.

Life can flip in one second.

One minute you’re planning your day. The next minute you’re in an ambulance.

That’s what happened to my friend Laura. She had a heart attack recently, and when you hear the word “heart attack”, everything in you tightens because we all know what that can mean.

But here’s what I need you to hear today. God did a miracle.

Doctors ran the tests. They checked everything, and there is zero heart damage. None!

I mean, we’re all stunned. It’s the kind of outcome that makes medical teams pause and say, “We don’t see this often.”

And I keep thinking about something Scripture says: “Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.”

Now that doesn’t mean people who love God never walk through scary moments. Clearly Laura did. Sirens still sound. Ambulances still roll. Hospital rooms still fill with worried families.

But something deeper was holding her. Reverence for God anchored her soul in a way that nothing could shake. And when life flips in a second, that kind of foundation matters.

Because the truth is, we don’t get to control when the ambulance shows up. But we do get to decide where our hearts rest before those moments ever arrive.

Nothing—not fear, sirens, or hospital rooms—can take away the peace God gives. Because when you fear the Lord by loving Him well and anchoring your hope in Him, the outcome is peace. And that peace isn’t based on your circumstances.

It’s rooted deeper than that.

So, maybe today you feel like something just knocked the wind out of you. Maybe your world feels shaky.

But what if this is your reminder? Look to our holy and mighty God, and keep living for Him. Because the same God who protected my friend Laura’s heart is holding yours right now too. That peace is not fragile, friend.

It’s unshakable.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

When life feels uncertain or scary, where does your mind go first—fear or trust in God?
What does “fearing the Lord” look like in your everyday life right now?
Can you think of a time when God gave you peace in the middle of a difficult or unexpected situation?
What would it look like to anchor your heart in God before the next hard moment comes?
Is there something in your life right now that feels shaky? How can you invite God into it today?

April 30, 2026/by Denise Pagano

The “Brrr” Before the Breakthrough

Brenda Price, Daily Devotional

Isaiah 41:10 — Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

This Spring, are you doing pickleball or water aerobics?

I’m doing water aerobics, and I love it. It is so good and so much fun.

One of the ladies in my class encouraged me to start swimming laps in the Olympic-size pool we have at the gym. But she warned me ahead of time.

“It’s cold when you first get in.”

She was not kidding.

My goodness—that first step into the water was a shock. I almost turned around right there. Then I looked up and saw how long that pool was, and I thought, “Oh I don’t know if I can do this.”

But step by step, I slowly went in.

It was cold, but before I knew it, I was cruising along. Oh my goodness—I’m actually doing this. I finished the laps. I felt strong. I felt accomplished.

I really did.

And honestly, I think following God can feel a lot like that first step into the pool. Sometimes what He calls us to do feels intimidating. It can feel cold. It can seem longer than we expected when we’re standing at the edge.

Most of the things God grows in us begin with a step that feels uncomfortable.

But when we take that first step and trust Him, something surprising happens. He meets us there. He says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” He steadies our hearts, stays right beside us, and strengthens us—just like He promises. Strength for every lap.

He never promises it will be easy. No, no.

But He does promise He will be right there with us the whole way.

And maybe today there’s something in front of you that feels like that cold pool a little—something that makes you hesitate. It looks harder and longer than you expected.

Remember that sometimes it just takes easing one foot into the water.

And then the next.

And when you do, eventually you’ll discover you’re not swimming alone.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

What is something in your life right now that feels intimidating or uncomfortable—like that first step into cold water?
What fears or doubts tend to hold you back from taking that first step?
Can you remember a time when God met you after you stepped out in faith? What did that teach you?
What would it look like to trust God for “the next step” instead of the whole journey?
How does knowing God is with you and strengthening you change the way you face what’s ahead?

April 29, 2026/by Brenda Price