YOU ARE PERFECT, SINCE YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT

I will reiterate that I am not a Greek "scholar" but this is what I have been given in my studies for your consideration.  June

Matthew 5:48 "You will be [Greek - esesthe] [are- as His ongoing Work] Perfect since/just as [Greek - osper] your Father in Heaven is Perfect."

This is quite a departure from the daunting sound of command of the traditional translation "BE YE Perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." that has caused much concern and confusion.  This uses both the legalistic prejudices of the translators and the King James English of the time to give the phrase this "flavor".

INITIATOR VERSUS RESPONDER

Parenting and Responsibility:
Ephesians 6:1-4 “Children, under-listen (Greek: hupokouete) [pay attention to] your parents in the Master (Greek: Kurios – Owner, Supreme Ruler, Lord), for this is right.  Value/regard as precious your father and your mother…that you may live long on the earth.  And fathers: Do not bring your children towards anger/impulsiveness, but out of [your spiritual] strength/health, give them instruction and place understanding in their minds, of the Master (Greek: Kurios – Owner, Supreme Ruler, Lord).”

Marriage and Responsibility:
Ephesians 5:24, 33 "Wives, hupostassesthe – “arrange/set yourself under”/["reverence"] your husband"..."each one of you [husbands] must love (agape) his wife as he loves (agapes) himself.”

God and Responsibility: 1 John 4:19 “…we love Him [God] since/because He first loved us.”