Why is it important for Christians to forgive others?

In his letter, Paul states he holds no resentment against those who abandoned him, choosing instead to forgive them (2 Timothy 4:16). This act of forgiveness is deeply rooted in the understanding of how Christ forgave us, as seen in Luke 23:34 where Jesus asks the Father to forgive those who crucified Him. For Christians, forgiving others is not only a reflection of God's grace but also essential for maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ. We forgive because we have been forgiven, and this embodies the Gospel's transformative power in our lives.