Matthew 5:48Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Note through what steps we have now ascended hither, and how He has set us on the very pinnacle of virtue. The first step is, not to begin to do wrong to any; the second, that in avenging a wrong done to us we be content with retaliating equal; the third, to return nothing of what we have suffered; the fourth, to offer one’s self to the endurance of evil; the fifth, to be ready to suffer even more evil than the oppressor desires to inflict; the sixth, not to hate him of whom we suffer such things; the seventh, to love him; the eighth, to do him good; the ninth, to pray for him. And because the command is great, the reward proposed is also great, namely, to be made like unto God, Ye shall be the sons of your Father which is in heaven.

To have affection for certain individuals, particularly friends, while harboring animosity towards others reflects a lack of maturity; true perfection is found in loving everyone.

That by the command, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, all mankind were intended, the Lord shewed in the parable of the man who was left half dead, which teaches us that our neighbour is every one who may happen at any time to stand in need of our offices of mercy; and this who does not see must be denied to none, when the Lord says, Do good to them that hate you.

Imagine an individual who claims to be talented at painting; a ruler instructs him to create a portrait of the king for those living far away. If he merely produces a grotesque and distorted likeness and asserts that it is the king, will he not incite rightful wrath? An inadequate representation can lead to a false perception of the true king in the eyes of those unfamiliar with him. Just as a picture reflects the subject, so too will the imitation of God—Christianity—reflect in the lives of those who strive to emulate Him. If someone demonstrates virtuous qualities, he is likely to portray the Deity we worship positively.

Many measuring the commandments of God by their own weakness, not by the strength of the saints, hold these commands for impossible, and say that it is virtue enough not to hate our enemies; but to love them is a command beyond human nature to obey. But it must be understood that Christ enjoins not impossibilities but perfection. Such was the temper of David towards Saul and Absalom; the Martyr Stephen also prayed for his enemies while they stoned him, and Paul wished himself anathema for the sake of his persecutors. (Rom. 9:3.) Jesus both taught and did the same, saying, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34.)

Those who care for those who care for them demonstrate an imperfect love; however, those who extend their love even to their adversaries embody a true and complete love.

In our journey of faith, let us not become complacent, but strive diligently according to our abilities, for the Gospel teaches that we should “...be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We cannot equate ourselves with the divine nature, which surpasses all understanding and is truly incomparable. However, we can strive to emulate His humanity, kindness, and unbounded goodness, extending compassion to our neighbors. This includes even our adversaries and those who may betray us, for God graciously supports everyone and generously provides for our needs with abundant gifts. God seeks no honor from humanity that could possibly merit His greatness. Therefore, let us endeavor, as much as we are able, to do good, embracing the frequent challenges we encounter along the way.

Or, the sun and rain have reference to the baptism with water and Spirit.

"‘Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ These words emphasize the total cleansing from sin, the complete liberation from dishonorable passions, and the full embrace of the highest virtue—namely, the purification and sanctification of the heart through union with the holy Spirit of God. This occurs with unwavering assurance, as the soul, full of faith and love, wholly offers itself to God. The Spirit reveals this absolute truth through David, guiding us to seek it from God and to believe that those who yearn for it are called sons of Light and heirs to Life. For the Spirit, through David, declares, ‘Let my heart be pure in Thy justifications, lest I be ashamed’ (Psalm 118:80).

The Lord teaches that we cannot claim to embody perfect love if we limit our affection to those who reciprocate it, as this kind of love is typical of both non-believers and transgressors. Thus, the Lord calls us to rise above mere human affection and embrace the principle of evangelical love. This encourages us to extend love not only to those who care for us but also to our adversaries and those who wish us harm. In doing so, we reflect true piety and emulate the goodness of the Father.

Love to an enemy is then observed when we are not sorrowful at his success, or rejoice in his fall. We hate him whom we wish not to be bettered, and pursue with ill-wishes the prosperity of the man in whose fall we rejoice. Yet it may often happen that without any sacrifice of charity, the fall of an enemy may gladden us, and again his exaltation make us sorrowful without any suspicion of envy; when, namely, by his fall any deserving man is raised up, or by his success any undeservedly depressed. But herein a strict measure of discernment must be observed, lest in following out our own hates, we hide it from ourselves under the specious pretence of others’ benefit. We should balance how much we owe to the fall of the sinner, how much to the justice of the Judge. For when the Almighty has struck any hardened sinner, we must at once magnify His justice as Judge, and feel with the other’s suffering who perishes.

If then sinners be led by nature to shew kindness to those that love them, with how much greater shew of affection ought you not to embrace even those that do not love you? For it follows, Do not even the publicans so? The publicans are those who collect the public imposts; or perhaps those who pursue the public business or the gain of this world.

Because the utmost perfection of love cannot go beyond the love of enemies, therefore as soon as the Lord has bid us love our enemies, He proceeds, Be ye then perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. He indeed is perfect, as being omnipotent; man, as being aided by the Omnipotent. For the word ‘as’ is used in Scripture, sometimes for identity, and equality, as in that, As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee; (Josh. 1:5.) sometimes to express likeness only as here.

The highest and most admirable aspiration a person can have is to draw nearer to God and to maintain a deep communion with Him.

Divine truth was revealed to humanity through Divine compassion, urging us to emulate God by embodying perfect mercy (Matt. 5:48), rather than through any other quality. Mercy refrains from passing judgment, extends love even to adversaries, sacrifices for friends, and transforms humanity to reflect the divine nature.

The mind of a person should align with the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:16), his words ought to echo the Word of God (2 Cor. 13:3), his spirit must be unified with the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 6:17), and his attributes should mirror those of God (Matt. 5:48).

The Lord calls us to be perfect, holy, just, and loving, just as our heavenly Father is perfect. Although this may seem beyond human reach, within each person lies the image of God, which must be nurtured and purified, with the aid of divine grace, as we draw closer to Him and aspire to resemble Him. St. Philaret, the Metropolitan of Moscow, wisely observes that while one cannot bring forth the sun anew for the world, one can illuminate the mind of an unbeliever with the light of saving truth and ignite a spark of goodness in a harsh heart. In this way, we embody the likeness of God, shining not just upon the visible world but also illuminating souls with spiritual radiance.

A divine quality, love encompasses all, particularly the love for adversaries. Recognizing this profound truth guides one towards ultimate fulfillment and brings humanity closer to the nature of God. Consequently, this love is extended to everyone, for all are children of the Heavenly Father. While achieving this divine likeness, seen as the ultimate perfection, may be impossible in this earthly existence, it remains an aspiration that we should ardently pursue throughout eternity.

In the book of Hebrews, it is noted that one should exhibit mercy just as the Father demonstrates mercy (Luke 6:36). In these instances, the term 'like' conveys a sense of resemblance rather than equality, as there can be no true equality between the infinite Good and a finite being. Instead, it reflects a progressive resemblance and alignment of the immortal human soul with its Original Image, a process that is meant to endure for an everlasting eternity.

Strive for perfection. The term perfection refers to the complete and harmonious cultivation of all moral attributes and virtues, encompassing the ideas of righteousness and sanctity (Matt. 19:21; Rom. 12:2; Col. 1:28; James 3:2). Consider how perfect your Father in heaven is. Divine holiness is beyond our reach, so this call does not imply attaining equality, but rather developing an inner resemblance. The essential focus is on recognizing the need for moral growth through grace, which connects humanity with God.