This is a summary of a part of chapter six of Dr. Kevin McGary’s book, Freed to Be Servant and Slave (available on Amazon).

Many Christians today live lives burdened by emotional pain, bitterness, and spiritual stagnation. 1Despite accepting Christ, countless believers feel little to no change in their bondage, despair, or suffering. Why is this the case? The answer lies in one of the most profound yet overlooked principles of Christian living—forgiveness. Ironically, it is when we begin to forgive that our true healing and freedom start. Forgiveness is not merely a virtue; it is a divine mandate that is central to the Christian walk.

The Impediment to the Abundant Life

Jesus promised abundant life to those who follow Him (John 10:10), yet many believers do not experience this promise. This lack of spiritual abundance can often be traced back to the issue of unforgiveness. While salvation brings spiritual rebirth, the refusal to forgive anchors believers in emotional and spiritual bondage. Unforgiveness becomes a stronghold that prevents transformation and growth in Christ.

Understanding the World System

We live in a fallen world, referred to in Scripture as “the world system”—a realm controlled by deception, manipulation, and rebellion against God. This system encourages bitterness, victimhood, and division. As Jesus highlighted in John 17, believers are in the world but not of it. To thrive spiritually, we must transcend this world system by adhering to Christ’s commands, chief among them being forgiveness. Remaining tied to unforgiveness keeps us bound to the world’s oppression.

Forgiveness: A Divine Command, Not a Suggestion

Forgiveness is not optional for the follower of Christ. Numerous scriptures reinforce this truth:

• Colossians 3:13: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
• Luke 6:37: “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
• Mark 11:25-26: “If you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.”

These verses emphasize the eternal weight of forgiveness. To ignore them is to endanger our relationship with God and our eternal destiny.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18:21-35 provides a vivid illustration of the consequences of unforgiveness. A servant, forgiven a great debt by his master, refuses to forgive a fellow servant a minor debt. The master then revokes his mercy, casting him into judgment. Jesus ends this parable with a solemn warning: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” This underscores the non-negotiable nature of forgiveness in God’s Kingdom.

The Process of Forgiveness: Empowered by Grace

Forgiving someone who has deeply hurt us is not easy. Whether the wound comes from a spouse, employer, family member, or societal system, the pain can feel insurmountable. But God never asks us to do what He will not empower us to accomplish. When forgiveness feels impossible, we are called to surrender our weakness to Him. In doing so, He provides the strength and grace needed to forgive sincerely, even if it takes time.

Unforgiveness: The Seedbed of Spiritual Bondage

Unforgiveness breeds hatred, blame, and self-righteousness. It nurtures a victim mindset and often aligns with ideologies rooted in perpetual grievance. Movements fueled by Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and other social justice frameworks may encourage resentment and blame, undermining the spirit of Christ’s forgiveness. When we hold on to bitterness, we remain tethered to the world’s corruption, risking both spiritual stagnation and eternal loss.

The Separation of Sheep and Goats

Jesus’ parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46) illustrates a profound truth: forgiveness is a marker of genuine discipleship. The sheep—those who hear Christ’s voice and obey His commands—extend mercy and grace. The goats, in contrast, harbor pride, unforgiveness, and rebellion. We are living in a time when the line between sheep and goats is becoming increasingly clear. The Church is being sifted, and the spirit of unforgiveness is revealing who truly belongs to Christ.

A Church in Crisis

Regrettably, much of the modern Church is plagued by bitterness, division, and false gospels. From progressive Christianity to the rise of social activism in the pulpit, many Christian leaders have adopted ideologies that replace repentance and forgiveness with demands for reparations, justice, and recompense. These teachings stand in opposition to Christ’s call for a broken and contrite heart. Forgiveness is being replaced with ideological battles that foster division instead of unity.

In Order to Live, Unforgiveness Must Die

Forgiveness is the gateway to the life Christ promised. It untethers us from the chains of hate, pride, and blame. A heart that forgives reflects the nature of our Savior, who forgave us while we were yet sinners. Without forgiveness, spiritual transformation is impossible. The world preaches that some things are unforgivable, but Christ preaches that nothing is beyond the reach of grace. We must choose daily: hold on to bitterness and perish spiritually, or release our offenders and walk in the freedom of Christ.

Conclusion

A heart that forgives is a heart that reflects Christ. As believers, we must understand that forgiveness is not just a good idea—it is a Kingdom requirement. By embracing a lifestyle of forgiveness, we break free from the world’s corruption and experience the abundant life Jesus promised. Let us ask God to give us a heart that forgives, so we may live fully, love freely, and reflect His glory to the world.