You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5:48

Being perfect sounds good, but it is not reality. Reality is that you are a human being, and no matter how hard you try to be perfect, you still make mistakes. Your heart can be perfect, but your performance will never be perfect as long as you are on earth.

You are legally and positionally perfect in Christ, but experientially, you are in the process of changing every day from glory to glory. It is a growing process, and it takes time.

Struggling for perfection to gain acceptance and approval from God or others only brings frustration and never-ending struggle. And it isn’t necessary because Jesus accepts you just as you are. He will never pressure you to perform or demand something of you that you don’t know how to give. So just do your best . . . and enjoy life while you’re maturing.