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What kind of perfection does Jesus command of us?
Matthew 5:43-48 indicates a "perfection in love." Jesus spoke of such love when He said: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind." That is the greatest commandment. It comes first. The second is like it: "Love your neighbour as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)
To live in "perfect love" is to seek God's will in every situation, and to desire the best for every individual. It is not a physical attraction, nor a mere friendly feeling. It is unending goodwill, even to the most unlovable. As Edwin Markham wrote: "He drew a circle that shut me out. Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But Love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in!"
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How can we live a life of perfect love?
Paul says, "…the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5) Surrender to the Holy Spirit brings purity of motive, singleness of purpose, and liberation for a life of love toward God and humankind. The Holy Spirit enables us to express love in all our relationships.
Perfect love is both an experience in the heart and a way of life in the world.
The Holy Spirit desires to perfect God's love in us and through us!
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