Matthew 5:48 – “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Matthew Chapter 5 is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He laid out the Beatitudes, urged His followers to be the salt and light of the world, and gave some valuable tips on personal relationships. At the end of the chapter, He advises listeners to be perfect like their Heavenly Father. But as humans, even when we’re determined to do everything right, we tend to mess something up or make minor mistakes along the way. So, is perfection even attainable?
Well, according to Bible dictionaries, the word “perfect” is derived from the Greek word, “teleios” which means, “brought to its end, finished, wanting nothing necessary to completeness, full grown, mature.” The Amplified Bible translates Matthew 5:48 as, “You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
God does not require us to be perfect with our limited human wisdom and strength. He wants us to rely on Him because He is perfection. The Blood of Jesus has washed away your imperfections and made you flawless in His eyes. As you spend time with the Lord and fill yourself with His Word, you start growing in His likeness. You begin resembling your perfect Father in everything you think, say or do. Set out on a path to spiritual maturity in your mind and character, and you will see a touch of excellence in your work as well.
