Jesus has been teaching his disciples that humility, mercy, and reconciliation are defining marks of life in the kingdom of God. Then Peter steps in with a question we’ve all asked at some point: “How often am I required to forgive someone?”

It’s hard to imagine a more practical or relevant question. We’ve all experienced relational conflict, difficulty, heartbreak, or betrayal. And we all need a way forward. We need a path toward restoring a relationship or, at the very least, finding a sense of resolution and peace within ourselves. 

Jesus responds with a shocking answer that turns our understanding of forgiveness upside down. It’s a challenging answer, and one you and I still need to hear today.