1. The Path of Forgiveness
The encounter between Jesus and the penitent thief may present to us one of the most difficult situations to emulate in all of Scripture
Dying for the sins of the world, but more specifically in the moment for the sins of this man, Jesus is able to see beyond His own hurt and the reproach of the cross and have compassion on a dying sinner going so far as to forgive this man
Luke 23:33-43

2. The Path of Forgiveness
“Forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, nor does it mean that you've given the message that what someone did was okay. It just means that you've let go of the anger or guilt towards someone, or towards yourself.” –Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D.
The Path of Forgiveness
This is the worlds concept of forgiveness, it puts all of the weight on the shoulders of the offended and removes all responsibility from the offender

3. The Path of Forgiveness
Romans 4:6-9
Atonement or propitiation (James 5:20; cf. Psalms 85:2–3)
Justification or acquittal ( Romans 4:6, 8)
Repentance and obedience (Romans 4:3, 9, 11)
The Path of Forgiveness
20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:20 (NASB95)
2 You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah. 3 You withdrew all Your fury; You turned away from Your burning anger.
Psalm 85:2–3 (NASB95)
To define forgiveness in a way that eliminates the responsibilities of the offender cheapens grace and encourages the offender to continue in his offenses
While the offended cannot force repentance on the part of the offender they can certainly pave the way for reconciliation

4. The Path of Forgiveness
True forgiveness requires action on part of both the offender and the offended
The offender must repent and seek forgiveness
The offended must overcome hurt and anger
The Path of Forgiveness

5. The Path of Forgiveness
Luke 23:33-43
Jesus was willing to be the atonement for sin
The Thief was not to be treated as a thief but as a son
Jesus made preparation for the Thief’s repentance
The Path of Forgiveness
Matt 27:44, Luke 23:41 - According to Matthew as the crucifixion began both thieves were mocking Jesus, but as events unfolded this thief turned his heart to the Lord.
Luke 17:3-4 - Jesus became a living demonstration of his instruction to Peter

6. Following the Path “Do not let the sun go down on your anger”
Put Away Anger
Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
“Do not let the sun go down on your anger”
This requires developing a compassionate heart
Develop a heavenly focus and put God’s purposes before your own
Following the Path
While we cannot force someone to repent, we can make every preparation for the their repentance and guard our own heart in the process

7. Following the Path Always remember what the Lord has done for us
The Consequences of Refusal
Matthew 18:32-35
Always remember what the Lord has done for us
The Master had no real option but to punish the unforgiving slave
This parable is directed at any disciple that refuses to forgive
Following the Path

8. The Goal of Forgiveness
Rehabilitation - Psalm 51
Restoration - Psalm 32
Salvation - Matthew 6:14-15
Following the Path