Thank You heavenly Father for Your perfection that is in us.

Today’s Scripture: Matthew 5:48, NKJV- “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

One of my first memories of how God’s Word can speak peace into us was as a young child. I was nervous and looking for God’s help as I was about to perform in a church play. As I was awaiting to enter the stage there was a bible in the room. I opened the bible and my eyes, and my spirit came across “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Whether in context or out of context, I felt, at that moment, that perfection was not up to me, but perfection was coming from God. I felt peace and confidence realizing that God was in control. I let go of my worries and trusted God’s perfection.

Five decades later I still remember the peace I found in that moment. In fact, for many years, I had hoped to find that scripture again to recall the peace and comfort I found as a young child. I am still comforted when I come across Matthew 5:48 today. I am continually pleasantly surprised and comforted by God’s Word. Most days my spirit is relieved, reassured, and encouraged by God’s Word and His perfection.

Much of my angst over my lifetime has come when I felt I must be perfect. I have paralyzed my actions many times when thinking I must be perfect on my own. When I accept that I will never be perfect, yet the perfection of our heavenly Father is available and even inside of us, I find peace once again.

Repeatedly, God and His Word have proven His perfection to me. Perfect in meaning and timing. I continue to be in awe of God and His Word. Re-reading Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, I realize His beatitudes are against our nature and are only possible if He is in it. We can only live as God intends with His perfection given to us.

In Matthew 5:15-16, Jesus instructs us to let our lights shine. When we share how God’s light and His perfection shows up in our lives, we share His perfection and glorify Him. Will you welcome God’s perfection and let your light shine today?

Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your words to us. Thank You for offering to us your perfect Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for revealing Your Spirit that is perfect. Help us to live in Your Spirit. Although we are spiritually poor, Your Spirit within us is perfect. Fill us with Your light LORD so we may shine Your light for others in Your perfection today. Amen.