Perfection is measured in Grace

Our willingness to extend grace to others is a measure of our perfection. Unlike most whose claim to perfection is associated with the doing of good things or the abstaining of doing bad things, the one who is to be perfect like His heavenly Father is to demonstrate this perfection through loving, not merely those who are lovable, but especially through loving those who possess no "lovable" qualities. Do I pray for my enemies, for the one who criticizes my efforts, or the efforts of my family; for the one who refuses to acknowledge me or who treats me with contempt; for the one who has robbed me and refused to admit it; for the one who is despised? Jesus shows us that it is the character of the heavenly Father to love; that His perfection is demonstrated in His love for His enemies. We, as His children, are to be no less; we are to show grace; to love our enemies; and in doing so we will reflect the perfect nature of our heavenly Father.