Matthew 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
I came upon this verse early in my walk with the Lord. I was struggling in some areas, and after reading this verse, I got really discouraged. I know the standards are high in the kingdom, but perfect?! The Lord broke in and said, “Son, I will never tell You to do something that I will not enable You to do.” His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).
The word “perfect” here is the Greek word “Teleios”, which means complete or come to full maturity. Jesus isn’t expecting a life without error, only He did this. He is telling us to be complete and mature. The context of this verse is showing love to others, especially to those who have wronged you. He is saying that He will empower us to love perfectly and completely as we grow and allow the Holy Spirit to bring us to full maturity by His grace (Philippians 1:6).
As we finish our fast and prepare for our repentance service tonight, we must remember that God is holy (set apart, uncommon, undefiled, pure) and He is calling us to that same holiness (2 Corinthians 6:17, 1 Peter 1:15-17). We are to be different from the world, in it and not of it (John 17:14), so that Jesus can change lives through us. Of all the traits, gifts, power, and revelation that are available to the believer, the greatest of all is the agape love of God.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 13:2 Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
Lord, I love You. Thank You for today. You are holy. Help me to be holy and to choose godliness over flesh. I ask forgiveness for my selfishness and immaturity. Teach me to love like You. Help me to lay down my life, my rights, and my preferences for others. Help me to grow in the strength of agape love that Your kingdom will come and will be done in and through my life. Amen.