Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – (Matthew 5:48, NIV)
You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. – (Matthew 5:48, MSG)
Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete. – (Matthew 5:48, CEB)
When I read “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”, I cannot fathom doing or being what I ought to become. However, the other two translations grant a bit more clarity as to what is being asked of us. Living generously and graciously toward others, and showing love toward everyone – these are tangibles to work with that are realistic with His help. Being “perfect” is the ongoing pursuit to live a life of love, just as we are loved by God. Though not one of us will get it right 100% of the time, continual pursuit of Him and His help, will lead us to better reflect the Lord through how we live. May we ever seek the Lord and His loving kindness, so that we may go forth and love completely, as we are completely loved.
When we love fully,
Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤
We are doing well;
To live as we’re asked,
Of God’s grace, we tell.
May we choose pursue,
God’s help in all things;
So we may reflect,
The good His love brings.
Wherever we go,
Whatever we do;
Allow His love lead,
So His light shines through.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that “perfect” is the purposeful pursuit of loving completely, as we are completely loved by You. Forgive us for the times that we do not seek You to lead us and equip us to love like You. Teach us to operate in love in all things, so that Your heart will be evident to all. Show us how to love those around us perfectly, as Your love for us is perfect. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to love as we are loved by You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
We love because He first loved us. – 1 John 4:19
Revelations In Writing 