Split word Matthew 5:48?

[gbausc]

Shlama Distazo,

The word "gmyr" can mean "mature","complete","whole" as well as "perfect" , but remember, you must apply it to God in the same way you apply it to yourself.
Is it correct to speak of God as being "mature"? Only if He has grown up into full manhood; but when did God The Father become an adult?

Besides, the context does not support that view, it seems to me. Our Lord was talking about loving our enemies and doing good things for them, which is not an easy thing to do, but which God does every day. If we do this, we are like our Father in Heaven and "sons of your Father in Heaven" (v. 45). To act as God would act is to be "perfect", not "mature".

How can we do this? Consider who it is that commands us to to it. Did He not command his disciples to heal the sick, cast out demons and preach the gospel? Did he leave them to their own devices and power? Were they to do these things by their own power?

When Yeshua commissioned his apostles, we read in Matthew 28:20 that he said: "Behold, I am with you every day, even to the end of the world."

"Faithful is he that hath called you, who will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24

We are not alone.

Blessings in The Lord God, our Messiah,

Dave Bauscher