"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." Matthew 5:48

Does anyone read this and think, "Yikes!"? I mean, being perfect isn't exactly something I've mastered. You? The reality is that on this side of heaven, none of us are perfect. If we were, we wouldn't need a savior! When we study the meaning of the word "perfect" in this verse, we must understand that with it comes incredible encouragement, not unattainable pressure. Do you know that the term rendered "perfect" in most English translations has the meaning "brought to its end, finished; complete?" Did you take an enormous exhale, or what?

When we read this passage of scripture, our Heavenly Father assures us that we have everything we need to be complete in Christ.

We are literally completely able to live in righteousness because of the completed work of Christ on the cross! I absolutely love the perspective this commentary offers, "Manifestly, our Lord here speaks, not of degrees of excellence, but of the kind of excellence which was to distinguish His disciples and characterize His kingdom. When therefore He adds, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect—He refers to that full-orbed glorious completeness which is in the great Divine Model, 'their Father which is in heaven.'" Amazing! Today, take confidence in knowing that regardless of what circumstance you find yourself in, you have everything you need for victory in Christ. You may not feel perfect, but you ARE complete!