Welcome to Day 12 of our 60-Day Challenge! But before we tackle today’s question, let’s take a moment to reflect on the question from Day 11: Christ tells us to become perfect. God is perfect. Does that mean that we can become like God?
This invitation challenges us to ask: what does it really mean to become like God?
In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus teaches us that perfection in God’s sense is far different from human concepts of flawlessness. When He says, “love your enemies, bless those who curse you,” He’s showing us that God’s perfection is rooted in love, compassion, and grace—qualities that go beyond what society often values. Perfection here doesn’t mean never making a mistake; it means growing in our capacity to love, forgive, and serve, even in difficult circumstances. This journey toward divine perfection is about refining our character, aligning our actions and desires with God’s will, and reflecting His love to everyone around us.
As children of God, we’re given the potential to become more like Him, gradually shaping our hearts to mirror His goodness and kindness. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:16-17 that we are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,” meaning that as we strive to live as Christ did, we inherit a piece of His divine character and are prepared for eternal life with God.
The Book of Mormon also echoes this call to perfection. Moroni 10:32 says, “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.” Here, we’re reminded that this journey to perfection isn’t something we do alone. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, we’re empowered to overcome weaknesses, to refine our character, and to draw closer to God in heart and mind. The Atonement allows us to shed our imperfections gradually, filling us with divine love and transforming us to become more like our Heavenly Father.
In Doctrine and Covenants 88:40, it’s written that “intelligence cleaves unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue.” As we align our lives with God’s attributes, we are, in a way, drawn closer to Him, step by step, trait by trait. Perfection here is a process of becoming, not merely being. It’s a journey of drawing nearer to God, becoming whole and complete as we emulate His divine attributes.
Ultimately, this call to perfection is a promise. Christ’s invitation isn’t about setting an impossible standard; it’s about fulfilling our divine potential. Through grace, we’re enabled to become more like God—not by our own merit but through His guidance and love. This journey is about progression, becoming more Christlike day by day, until, one day, we truly stand in the presence of God, complete and perfected in Him.
What to Reflect On for Today's Challenge:
Now, this brings us to an important question about the nature of Christ Himself: If Christ was simply a manifestation of the Father, why was He resurrected with His actual, tangible body?
In Matthew 28:1-10, the story of the resurrection unfolds with Christ appearing physically to Mary Magdalene and the other disciples. His tangible, resurrected body testifies to His unique identity and mission, separate from but unified with the Father. The resurrection wasn’t symbolic—it was real, confirming that Christ lives and that, through Him, we also have the hope of eternal life.
Reflect on this powerful truth as we continue our journey. Let’s dive deeper together! and as always, share your thoughts and questions in the comments. Each of us is on this path to grow in faith, and together, we’re making a difference.
Transcription:
Hi, my name is Joe Cirillo with Gospel First, and thanks again for your decision to follow me on the exciting journey to find Christ restored church in our day. But before I give you question number 12, did you get the answer to question 11? Christ tells us to become perfect. God is perfect. Does that mean that we can become like God?
Well, verse 43 says, you have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies. Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you, and persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven.
For he makes his son rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who you love, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. So here's question number 12. Why would Christ be resurrected with his actual body, if he was only just a manifestation of the Father? And you can find the answers in Matthew chapter 28, verses 1 to 10. And I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I hope you've enjoyed this episode of Gospel First Lesson. And have found it inspiring. For more insights on God's plan of happiness for you, you can visit our website at gospelfirst. net. Now I'd love to hear from you, so please leave your questions or comments in the comments section of this video. Also, you can help me spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ by hitting the like, subscribe, and share button.
Together, we can make a difference. So, until next time, God bless.
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