Therefore you shall be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). At first glance, this is a difficult passage. It seems to be calling us to do or be what seems impossible. “Nobody is perfect,” is what we say. This was also a recent question in our Young Adult class. It is true that all responsible people commit sin. Romans 3:23 states that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. That is why Jesus died for all men to give them the opportunity to have their sin removed (Hebrews 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:14). It is also why the gospel needs to be preached “to every creature” (Mark 16:16). Even after one obeys the gospel, he still commits sin and needs forgiveness (1 John 1:7-10).
If Matthew 5:48 were telling us that we must live sinlessly perfect lives or that we must be as perfect as God, then we obviously have some real problems. When we seek to determine the meaning of any Biblical text, especially one that seems difficult to understand, we must remember, when it comes to Scripture, whatever God’s word says on any subject is right (Psalm 119:128). It is also possible to twist or misuse the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:15-16).
In the study of the difficult text before us, we must answer three questions. First: Can the word “perfect” have several meanings here other verses in the Bible which will help us understand this one?
The Meaning of Perfect
The word “perfect,” in the Bible, can and does mean “complete” or “finished”. Jesus was made “perfect” through suffering (Hebrews 2:10; 5:8-9). He completed or fulfilled God’s plan for Him as our Savior by suffering for us. “Perfect” can also have the meaning of “mature” or “grown up.” In Philippians 3:15, the apostle Paul speaks to “as many as be perfect” (KJV). The NKJV translates this phrase “as many as are mature.”
The Context of Matthew 5:48
Jesus contrasts His teaching with that of the Old Law (Matthew 5:38-39). He shows us what our attitude is to be toward those who want to make life hard for us by forcing us or hatefully treating us (Matthew 5:40-44). He teaches us to love our “enemies” (Matthew 5:44), not an easy thing to do. We are to do this so “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:45a). God acts with concern and love for all men.
When Jesus said, “Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), He was saying, “Let your love be complete as God’s love.” God loves all people, even evil ones. This is how we can be as “perfect” as God. Our love for our fellow-man needs to grow and mature – including loving our enemies. If we do not love our enemies, we are not acting as sons of God ought to act.
Conclusion
We must heed the command of our Savior given in Matthew 5:48 to “be perfect” just as our heavenly Father is perfect. We must be careful, though, not to apply this command to areas in which Jesus never intended for it to be applied. He was speaking of the love that is to characterize those who are children of God. That love is to be complete, extending even to those who are your enemies, who hate you and spitefully use you. In this, as in all other things, we must strive to be as both Father and Son.