What does it mean to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect? (Matthew 5:48)

Question:

Jesus said “Be perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). If we follow the words of Jesus, then we should be perfect as God is. I have a question: Is there someone who has come to be perfect as God? Or what does it mean “to be perfect as God is”, if the paths, nature and His works are higher than ours? We, humans, can not be omniscient, omnipotent and eternal (on the earth).

All biblical passages must be understood in their context. Therefore, let us look up at the whole context where this verse is mentioned:

You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)(NASB)

In this passage, as you see, it is told specifically in what things we are to be like God – in love. To love our enemies as God loves them and does good to them. So, as God causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous, even so we should love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us and pray for those who oppress us and persecute us and thus reflect the character of God on earth. God help us proceed so.

Translated by Felicia Rotaru