How do we know forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible?

The act of forgiveness is deeply rooted in Scripture, demonstrated vividly in the story of Joseph. Despite the cruelty his brothers showed him by selling him into slavery, Joseph forgives them and reassures them not to grieve over their actions, recognizing that God had a purpose for his suffering. This theme of forgiveness is also echoed in Ephesians 4:32, where believers are called to be kind and forgiving, just as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven them. The requirement for Christians to forgive others is grounded in the understanding of the immense forgiveness they have received from God through Christ.