The dictionary defines perfect as “being entirely without fault or defect; satisfying all requirements; corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept.” You and I will never be perfect. It is very important that we understand that only God is perfect. He has no flaw and is not corrupted by sin as man has been. Therefore, our aim as a believer is not to seek perfection, but to pursue Him who is perfect.

According to Strong’s Concordance, the word perfect in Matthew 5:48 was derived from the Greek term teleios (“complete in all its parts; full grown; of full age; especially of the completeness of Christian character”).

What does it mean for us as believers to “be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect?”

Jesus is asking that we be complete in Him, that we imitate our heavenly Father, and that we do our best to become more and more like Him.