Being Perfect As Jesus Taught

In a world filled with imperfection, the idea of achieving perfection in any form feels almost impossible. We see flaws in ourselves, in others, and in the world around us. Yet, Jesus taught that we must be perfect, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect. This teaching can feel overwhelming or even unattainable. How can we live up to such a high standard? Is it about moral, sinless perfection, spiritual growth, or just having faith? Let’s get into what this call to perfection truly means and how it can guide us in our daily lives.

What Does the Bible Say About Being Perfect?

Perfection is a recurring statement in the Bible, often connected to obedience to God’s commands, wholehearted devotion to God Almighty, being mature in the faith, and completeness through perfect love. While the Bible acknowledges mankind’s limitations, it still challenges believers to live just as Jesus did while reflecting God’s character.

Here is a concise list of verses that offer insight into how God Almighty views perfection and how we might appropriately respond, as illustrated in His Word. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list; there are many additional verses not included here.

2 Chronicles 16:9

“For the eyes of the LORD run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly; for from henceforth you shall have wars.”

2 Chronicles 25:2

“He did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.“

Ezekiel 28:15

“You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you.”

Matthew 5:48

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Deuteronomy 32:4

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.“

Hebrew 5:9

“And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.“

One of the most well-known verses on this topic, Jesus commands His followers to emulate God’s perfection. This verse emphasizes the need for love, integrity, and spiritual maturity as we reflect God’s character in our actions.

2 Samuel 22:24

“I was also perfect toward him. I kept myself from my iniquity.”

2 Samuel 22:33

“God is my strong fortress. He makes my way perfect.“

1 Kings 8:61

“Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.”

1 Kings 15:3

“He walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him; and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.”

1 Kings 15:14

“But the high places were not taken away: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with the LORD all his days.“

2 Corinthians 7:1

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

1 John 4:17

“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.“

1 John 4:18

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.“

Matthew 19:21

“Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

2 Corinthians 13:11

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you..”

Although perfection is not explicitly mentioned here, Paul encourages believers to aim for unity and wholeness, which align with the biblical concept of perfection as completeness in faith and love.

Deuteronomy 18:13

You shall be perfect with Jehovah your God. 

Psalm 18:30

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

James 1:4

“And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

This verse reminds believers that perfection comes through trials and steadfast faith. God uses challenges to refine His people, making them spiritually complete and lacking nothing.

Proverbs 2:21

“For the upright shall live in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it“

Hebrews 10:14

“For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

Here, the writer of Hebrews highlights the role of Christ’s sacrifice in perfecting believers. This verse illustrates that our perfection ultimately comes through Christ, even as we continue the process of sanctification.

Colossians 1:28

“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Paul emphasizes the importance of wisdom and teaching in achieving spiritual perfection or maturity, showing that growth in faith is essential.

Psalm 18:30

“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”

While this verse focuses on God’s perfection, it underscores the idea that His ways and His word are benchmarks for believers striving for righteousness and holiness.

Genesis 17:1

“And when Abram was ninety nine years old, Jehovah appeared to Abram and said to him, I am the Almighty God! Walk before me and be perfect.'”

God calls Abram to walk blamelessly by stating “be perfect”, which can be understood as striving for moral and spiritual integrity in one’s daily walk with God.

Job 1:1

“There was a man in the land of Uz, his name was Job. And this man was perfect and upright, and fearing God, and turning away from evil. “

Job is described as blameless, a term often associated with the idea of perfection in character and devotion to God. His story demonstrates the connection between integrity and being “perfect.”

Ephesians 4:13

“Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

This verse highlights the collective goal of spiritual maturity within the Body of Christ, aiming for unity and completeness in faith.

1 Peter 5:10

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

While not explicitly mentioning “perfection,” this verse reflects the process of being restored and strengthened by God, pointing to His role in completing His work in us.

1 Kings 8:61

“And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”

King Solomon calls Israel to wholehearted commitment to God, a prerequisite for spiritual perfection and alignment with His will.

James 3:2

“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”

Here, James links perfection to speech and self-control, suggesting that mastery over words and actions reflects spiritual maturity.

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

This verse underscores the importance of aligning oneself with God’s perfect will, achievable through the renewal of the mind.

Matthew 19:21

“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'”

When speaking to the rich young ruler, Jesus links perfection with selflessness and complete devotion to God’s kingdom.

Hopeful Thoughts

The Bible provides a multifaceted view of perfection. Rather than implying complete flawlessness or the absence of any mistakes, biblical perfection often refers to a state of spiritual maturity, wholeness, or completeness in one’s faith and actions.

Biblical Perfection Is:

• Going after God with all of our heart
• Obedience to God’s commands
• Spiritual maturity
• Completeness
• We are no longer broken, for we have been made whole
• Doing the will of the Father

By studying these verses, believers can gain a strong understanding of how to pursue a life that honors God Almighty by aligning their actions, thoughts, and decisions with His teachings. This deeper reflection allows us to grow spiritually, strengthen our faith, and live in a way that reflects God’s love and purpose.

Which of these verses speaks to you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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We dedicate our lives to God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission is to share the good news — bringing hope, proclaiming the message of deliverance, and planting the seeds of saving faith in the hearts of others.

Our desire is to extend and share with others the love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God, which are available to all through faith in Him. Our goal is to encourage others to hold on to this message, enjoy the peace that comes from His promises, and find the pathway to life as we learn the Father’s ways and live by them.

If you need prayer, encouragement, or assistance of any kind, please contact us. It would be our pleasure to help and bless you in any way we can!

Let us close in prayer:

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)