Matthew 5:48

Have you ever defended your bad behavior by saying, “Nobody’s perfect“? Or has someone ever said to you, “Nobody’s perfect” in defense of something they’ve done? It’s a common response because it’s true. No human being is perfect. But Jesus pointed out that God the Father is. “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

Perfect…the height of virtue and integrity. It is God’s height of virtue and integrity that Jesus directs us to and calls us to seek after. Rather than Jesus letting us off the hook, He sees the potential for us to be transformed into His likeness through His Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 

Transformation requires that we be intentional. We look intently at who God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are.

In what ways does the Bible point to God being perfect? 

• His character is perfect. (Galatians 5:22)
• His works are perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
• His laws are perfect. (Psalm 19:7)
• His faithfulness is perfect. (Isaiah 25:1)
• His peace is perfect. (Isaiah 26:3)
• His patience is perfect. (1 Timothy 1:16)
• His love is perfect. (1 John 4:18)

Our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit are perfect. They are the Ones to whom we can look and follow. 

Lord, You are PERFECT. Thank You for Your perfect character, works, laws, faithfulness, peace, patience, love and more. As I look at You, transform me into Your image.

Would you like to learn more about walking by the Holy Spirit? Listen to these free podcast teachings: “Listen UP! 31 Points Every Christian Should Know About the Holy Spirit.”

How would you describe your earthly father? Was he “perfect”? Did you know him or was he an absentee dad? Was he loyal or disloyal? On this side of heaven, there are no perfect fathers. But we have a Heavenly Father who is…um….heavenly. He’s perfect. What a blessing it is to know that He is here for us. He loves us. He is available 24/7. He wants us to come to Him with our needs. 

If you’re feeling alone or down, be encouraged. Your Heavenly Father has His eye on you. Call to Him in your need. Wait silently for Him to speak to your heart and direct you.

“Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

HEAVENLY FATHER, thank You for being ever present and for loving me. I praise You. 

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Have you ever defended your bad behavior by saying, “Nobody’s perfect“?  Or has someone ever said to you, “Nobody’s perfect” in defense of something they’ve done wrong? It’s a common response because it’s true. Nobody is perfect, except Jesus. However, and this is big, our imperfections aren’t excuses to stay as we are. Rather they’re signals for areas where we need to look to Jesus for His example and empowerment to change. For instance, in Matthew 5:48, Jesus doesn’t say, “Heh guys, give yourself a break. Nobody’s perfect.” Instead, He says, “Your Heavenly Father is perfect. You’re to be perfect.”

Heavenly Father, You are PERFECT. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who transforms us as we intentionally walk by Your Spirit.  

Have you ever defended your bad behavior by saying, “Nobody’s perfect“?  Or has someone ever said to you, “Nobody’s perfect” in defense of something they’ve done wrong? It’s a common response because it’s true. Nobody is perfect except Jesus. However, and this is big, our imperfections aren’t excuses to stay as we are. Rather they’re signals for areas where we need to look to Jesus for His example and empowerment to change. For instance, in  Matthew 5:48, Jesus doesn’t say, “Heh guys, give yourself a break. Nobody’s perfect.” Instead, He says, “Your Heavenly Father is perfect. You’re to be perfect.”

Heavenly Father, You are PERFECT. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who transforms us as we intentionally walk by Your Spirit.  

Have you ever defended your bad behavior by saying, “Nobody’s perfect.”  Or, has someone ever said to you, “Nobody’s perfect!” in defense of something they’ve done wrong? It’s a common response because it’s true. Nobody is perfect except Jesus. However, and this is big, our imperfections aren’t excuses to stay as we are. Rather, they’re signals for where we need to look to Jesus for His example and empowerment to change. For instance, in  Matthew 5:48, Jesus doesn’t say, “Heh guys, give yourself a break. Nobody’s perfect.” Instead, He says, “Your Heavenly Father is perfect. You’re to be perfect.”

Heavenly Father, You are PERFECT. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who transforms us as we intentionally learn to walk by Your Spirit.  

“’Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is PERFECT.’”     Matthew 5:48

Father’s Day. Do those two words bring a feeling of sadness, anger, guilt, anticipation, or joy? Depending on our relationship with our father, it could be any one of those or a multitude of other emotions. Or, if you’re a father, what has been your experience on Father’s Day? Were you pleased with how your children honored you?  Being a father, or mother, helps us get our minds around (in the smallest of ways) how our Heavenly Father might at times feel. He is the PERFECT FATHER. He’s literally, “heavenly.”  He sacrificially chose to adopt us at the price of His only begotten Son’s suffering and death. Are we showing the honor to our Heavenly Father that we want our children to show us? What are we doing to express our thanks to our Heavenly Father? Are we praying as Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6: 9-13, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven?”  Our Heavenly Father is here. His mercies are new every morning. Rather than ignore Him or not honor Him, we have the opportunity to listen to Him, obey Him, and bring honor and glory to Him. Will we?

HEAVENLY FATHER, thank You for being ever-present and for loving us. Help us honor You by our words and lives. 

Click to LISTEN.

Have you ever defended your bad behavior by saying, “Nobody’s perfect.”  Or, has someone ever said to you, “Nobody’s perfect!” in defense of something they’ve done wrong? It’s a common response because it’s true. Nobody is perfect except Jesus. However, and this is a big however, our imperfections aren’t excuses to stay as we are. Rather, they’re signals for where we need to look to Jesus for His example and empowerment to change. For instance, in  Matthew 5:48, Jesus doesn’t say, “Heh guys, give yourself a break. Nobody’s perfect.” Instead, He says, “Your Heavenly Father is perfect. You’re to be perfect.”

Heavenly Father, You are PERFECT. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who transforms us when we walk according to His power in us. 

“’Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is PERFECT.’”

Click to listen.

Have you ever defended your bad behavior by saying, “Nobody’s perfect.”  Or, has someone ever said to you, “Nobody’s perfect!” in defense of something they’ve done wrong? It’s a common response because it’s true. Nobody is perfect except Jesus. However, and this is a big however, our imperfections aren’t excuses to stay as we are. Rather, they’re signals for where we need to look to Jesus for His example and empowerment to change. For instance, in  Matthew 5:48, Jesus doesn’t say, “Heh guys, give yourself a break. Nobody’s perfect.” Instead, He says, “Your Heavenly Father is perfect. You’re to be perfect.”

Heavenly Father, You are PERFECT. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who transforms us when we walk according to His power in us. 

“’Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is PERFECT.’”