Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Christ does not command us to equal God's perfection but to resemble it. We aim at His object when we show the same free, pure kindness He shows, unlooked for reward, steadfast against ingratitude and malice. Luke makes it plain: be merciful as your Father is merciful.
AI summary
The Jewish teachers corrupted God's law. He said love your neighbor; they twisted it to mean only their own nation and friends, then added what He never said: hate your enemy. I come as Peacemaker to teach you differently: love your enemies as I have loved you.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 5:43-48
This perfection concerns love alone, not every virtue equally. The 'as' means likeness, not equality. Your love must reach the same objects God's goodness reaches, all men, good and bad, just and unjust, with sincerity and no dissimulation, just as the Father's affections are hearty and genuine.
AI summary