Q6. Perfection and the Christian

[MosesSole]

On 12/19/2007 at 10:29 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q6. (Matthew 5:48) In the context, what do you think verse 48 means for the Christian? This basically means you should love everyone equally as Heavenly Father loves all His children, the sinners, righteous, wicked and saintly.  

Is perfection taught here? Not in the sense that we are expected to be without blemish. But rather perfection here is in reference to God's love for His children being the model for which we should live by. 

Does maturity express the idea best? How about the doctrine of "sinless perfection"? How does verse 48 relate to verse 45? I don't know what sinless perfection is because it's not possible for man to be without sin. Basically, the parable here is we should learn to love others as Heavenly Father loves everyone equally and perfectly. And as such we should love our spouses, parents, siblings and neighbors.

But you cannot have the same love for people you don't know, nor should you even attempt to "love" your enemies. Love is a word that connotes intimacy in the relationship so naturally it's not the correct usage. Rather, you respect everyone equally and hope that they return the favor. In the long run, respect carries as much weight when it comes to bringing about order to a civilized society.

[Irmela]

6.1 In the context, what do you think verse 48 means for the Christian?

I think it means that we must be mature in how we handle situations - love as best we can, as He loved ... in difficult and in not so bad situations ... always keeping His Word in mind or His Ways.

6.2. Is perfection taught here?

No, but striving to live as Christ desired.

6.3. Does maturity express the idea best?

Maturity of godliness in mind and character.

6.4. How about the idea of sinless perfection?

Aim for that .... but we are still on earth.

6.5. How does verse 48 relate to verse 45?

The wicked and the good both receive blessings from God in nature and in everyday living. We too need to strive to deal the same with the wicked and the good.

[Lisa Wolf]

Q6. (Matthew 5:48) In the context, what do you think verse 48 means for the Christian? Is perfection taught here? Does maturity express the idea best? How about the doctrine of "sinless perfection"? How does verse 48 relate to verse 45? 

Ah, being perfect.  No, we can never attain it, but yes, we must strive.  Strive for maturity--the mature man is described well in 1John.  Sinless perfection is only God, but He calls us.  If we are called, then He will dispatch His Spirit to help us in that direction.  I think verses 48 and 45 do relate: we are called to be perfect in v48, and v45 reminds us we are God's children.  If we are God's children, we want to act like He does, responding in love even when someone is horrible.