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Tim Maas
Supporter
I would say that no one (other than Christ) could, can, or will attain the degree of perfection of which Jesus is speaking in this life and world, which is why all humans (even the most "saintly" among us) are completely dependent on faith in Christ for their salvation, and must always acknowledge their sin and receive God's forgiveness for it for Christ's sake. However, Jesus' command is intended to give humans no excuse for not always making a maximum effort in that regard, and continually striving to become more and more Christlike with each passing day, progressing toward our final status in eternity, when (as John said in 1 John 3:2), "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is," and we will also receive proportionate eternal rewards for our actions as followers of Christ during our earthly lives.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
No one can. But Jesus isn't calling us to a lesson in futility. He is asking us to strive for perfection. No one is perfect (Romans 3:10-12). But this is the law of love (Matthew 5:43-44). Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, "But I say unto you, ‘Love your enemies, bless them curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’" That is EVEN when your enemies DESPITEFULLY use you!
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