A MOMENT AT A TIME

Read: Matthew 5:48

""But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." ( Matthew 5:48 ) NLT

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Bible in a year:

Thoughts for Today

In today's scripture, Jesus tells us to be perfect. How can we do that? One moment at a time.

It begins with perfect moments. When we choose to respond to any given person or circumstance in a godly way, we have a perfect moment. We have fulfilled Jesus' command--in that moment. Every time we handle a situation in a godly, loving way, we have a perfect moment.

Because God is our Creator, it makes sense for us to learn more about His nature and His plan. First, we need to understand that we can be holy because God is holy. "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy (Leviticus 19:2 NIV). Holiness is an outflow of God's nature.

Consider this ...

By resting in God's love and following His will, we can act in healthy and positive ways. But we can't do it alone. Problems develop when we expect ourselves to accomplish perfection relying solely on our own efforts. There is a difference between expecting perfection from ourselves and expecting God to work His perfection through us.

One way to develop godly perfection is by using the power of prayer. Praying about the people and situations that frustrate us is the best antidote for that frustration. Leaning on Jesus' strength and praying about every situation will lead to more and more perfect moments. We need to trust God to help us grow in perfection--one moment at a time.

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Living Free Every Day® is a ministry of livingfree.org

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