Therefore You Shall Be Perfect, Just As Your Father in Heaven is Perfect - Matthew 5:47

If we do what Jesus says for us to do in Matthew 5:44 He says we will be perfect. Jesus said: But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Read on...

OUR TEXT

Matthew 5:48 (New King James Version)

48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Have you ever had a report card at school that said that you were perfect? Being perfect is being in a place where God would really be very happy with you. I don't mean to say that God is shallow just to love perfect people, but just like a famous athlete having a son that went on to be just as famous, God would be proud of us when we reach this state.

James says that trials in our life bring perfection. He says:

James 1:2-4 (New King James Version)

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Having a person hate us and make it known to us, is a trial. We are to love them back. Having a person curse us is a trial and we are to pray blessings over their life. Doing good things to someone that loves us is a trial and we need help from the Holy Spirit. All these things help us develop more patience and grace in our lives and James says that we will become perfect.

I often wonder how much like Jesus that I am. I know that when people cause me trouble that Jesus is talking about here in the last few verses, I know sometimes I fail miserably. But to know what to do in each situation is a good thing.

It is my prayer that my simple words have helped you.

Be Blessed Matthew Robert Payne

If you have enjoyed my article you can read the book "The parables of Jesus made simple" for free here in its entirety or just selected parables in chapters at http://www.parables-of-jesus-christ.net/ The book will be published in book form in January 2011