Question:
Kindly explain Matthew 5:48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Answer:
God never sets before His children a low standard. It would be absolute cruelty to us for Him to do this. He sets before us always that which is perfect, and His admonition is, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” That does not mean perfect in wisdom, as God is perfect; for we are finite. It does not imply perfect in knowledge as He is perfect or perfect in power as He is perfect because His sphere of being is infinitely above us. But it does mean we should love Him perfectly with all the heart, mind, soul, and strength. That is what God desires; “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Therefore, we can be perfect in our sphere by His grace, even as God is perfect in His sphere; that is character perfection. Its parallel text in the Gospel of Luke says, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36). One with perfect love will undoubtedly desire to render perfect service.
