At Griswich Enterprises, a large national engineering firm, there was a man named Jonathan who had spent years doing work he genuinely loved. He believed in loyalty, integrity, and giving his best to whatever had been entrusted to him. Jonathan wasn’t just committed to his job—he was committed to doing it right.
He also deeply respected his supervisor, Ben. For years, Jonathan had served under him faithfully, trusting his leadership and believing their professional relationship was built on mutual respect.
That trust shattered one day.
Jonathan discovered that Ben had taken full credit for a project Jonathan had conceived, designed, tested, and completed almost entirely on his own. Ben had initially given him approval to proceed, but once the project proved successful and beneficial to the company, Ben presented it as his own work.
The betrayal cut deep.
Jonathan knew confronting Ben could cost him dearly. Layoffs were looming due to a slowing economy, and he feared becoming a target. So he stayed silent. But his silence came at a price. Bitterness took root, and resentment grew steadily in his heart.
As days turned into weeks, the weight of unforgiveness began to spill into every area of his life. Jonathan withdrew from friends and family. His joy disappeared. He grew disappointed with God, believing the Lord should have protected him from such injustice. Slowly, he stopped going to church. He was angry—at Ben, at the company, and even at God. A dark shadow settled over a man who had once been hopeful and full of purpose.
Then, one unexpected evening, his phone rang.
It was Michael, a distant cousin Jonathan hadn’t spoken to in years. Michael’s voice was hesitant but sincere. He explained that he had just come from a church service where the pastor had spoken about the destructive power of unforgiveness.
Michael went on to confess something Jonathan never saw coming.
Years earlier, at a family gathering, Jonathan had made an offhand remark about Michael’s career choices. Jonathan barely remembered the comment, but it had deeply embarrassed and wounded Michael. He carried that hurt for years, allowing bitterness to take root. In fact, he had vowed never to speak to Jonathan again.
Jonathan was stunned.
With genuine remorse, Jonathan apologized immediately, expressing sorrow for the pain he had unknowingly caused. As the conversation ended, something shifted inside Jonathan. A quiet realization settled over him.
He saw himself in Michael.
Just as Michael had held onto an old wound, Jonathan was clinging to bitterness toward his boss. And just like Michael, that bitterness had been quietly poisoning his heart.
That night, Jonathan reflected deeply on Scripture and the Lord’s call to forgiveness. He realized that unforgiveness had not protected him—it had imprisoned him. Forgiveness, though costly, was the only path to freedom and peace.
The next day, Jonathan made a courageous decision.
He approached Ben—not in anger or accusation—but with honesty and grace. Jonathan calmly shared how the situation had hurt him and expressed his desire to forgive and move forward.
Ben was visibly shaken. Under pressure and fear of his own, he admitted his wrongdoing and apologized sincerely. What could have remained a permanent fracture became a moment of reconciliation. The wall of resentment crumbled, replaced by understanding and humility.
Forgiveness lifted a weight Jonathan hadn’t realized he was carrying. Peace returned. His spirit felt free again.
The following Sunday, Jonathan returned to church. As he sat quietly, the pastor read from Colossians 3:13–14 (NLT):
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Jonathan bowed his head and heart.
“I’m sorry, Lord,” he whispered. “You always know what You are doing. Help me trust You in difficult seasons ahead.”
And with that prayer, he walked forward—not bitter, but free.
