Shirtless

 "You shall be perfect as your father, the one in the sky, is perfect," Matthew 5:48.

Well, now. Got that pretty well nailed now. Don't drink, don't smoke, don't cuss. Or kiss those who do. OK. These may be fine virtues to hold, but not exactly what the Word's talking about here. To be perfect, like the sky father is perfect, means to extend love to those not deserving of it. To do mercy. This perfection means to go an extra mile with someone who forces the first mile. To give them a coat as well as the shirt they got off our back. To turn back toward them when they just kicked us in the rear. These serve as Jesus' examples of perfection, such that make his children look like their father. (Wish it was just about drinking or other easy stuff.) Sky kingdom.

With a brother or sister today, we remember our God's mercy with us when we shook our fists in his face. And we determine once again to share in his nature. Together we give thanks for his perfection.