From time to time, interesting phrases slip into our speech. We say things that we certainly don’t expect to be taken literally.

I might say that part of my early morning routine is to “jump into the shower.” Anyone who hears me say that knows that I’m not going to actually jump. It would be a risky gesture at my age. What I’m going to do is get into the shower quickly. I might say that I’m going to “bite the bullet.” Anyone who hears me say that knows that I’m not going to chew on a real bullet. I am going to do what needs to be done in a difficult situation.

Along these lines is that phrase that can cause us some difficulty at times: “forgive and forget.” It’s hard enough to forgive in many cases. But to then actually forget? Often it is just beyond our human capabilities. How about the need to “forgive and let go”? That might be in the realm of possibility.

That’s an interesting passage in the Book of Isaiah. The Lord God is speaking through the mouth of the prophet. It’s one of those “thus says the Lord” passages. “It is I who wipe out your offenses; your sins I remember no more.” Isaiah 43:25. God says he will forgive the offenses of the people and then not remember them. But how can God not remember something? It might be better to think of God as forgiving and letting go. Even better, God forgiving and letting the sinners get on with their lives.

Jesus certainly encourages us to imitate him in extending forgiveness where it is needed. How should we do that? So often our forgiveness is conditional.

“I forgive you, but don’t you dare let it happen again!”

“I forgive you, but I’m never going to let you forget it. I’m going to keep reminding you that I’ve forgiven you!”

How much better to “forgive and let go.”

Let’s face it. Forgiveness can be a rare commodity in our world. We can point the finger at any number of situations where it is desperately needed and not forthcoming. Of course, we should start with ourselves. There’s always someone in our lives who needs our forgiving attitude. Are we going to be generous enough to forgive but then keep reminding the person of the wonderful thing we have done? Or are we going to be generous enough to forgive and then really let go of the whole thing and let the forgiven person get on with life? What would Jesus do? I think we know.