How do we know that forgiveness is a command in the Bible?

The command to forgive is a clear directive found within Scripture, reflecting the expectation of how believers should conduct their relationships. In Colossians 3:13, Paul instructs believers to 'forbear one another and forgive one another.' This commandment is predicated on the forgiveness that Christians have received from Christ, indicating that our ability to forgive others stems from our own experience of grace. The parable in Matthew 18 reinforces this command by illustrating the severity of refusing to forgive others after having received great mercy ourselves. Therefore, the imperative to forgive is not optional; rather, it is an essential demonstration of faith in action.