"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16; NKJV). We associate this scripture with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins. But it is also important to remember that Jesus came to earth, born of a woman and under the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). He is not a distant deity that cannot identify with our earthly, fleshly, struggles. He surrendered His deity to become a man on earth with flesh and blood just like us (Heb 2:14). The word says He had to made like us so He could minister to us in our earthly state (Heb 2:17). He was tempted in every way but without sin (Heb 2:18; Heb 4:15). To minister on this earth, Jesus had to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, just like us (Luke 3:22).

Isn't it encouraging that Jesus knows what we go though in our lives; He knows our struggles. God is quick to forgive (1 John 1:9) and is always there to help. He calls us to be holy, godly and perfect as He is perfect (1 Pet 1:16; 1Tim 6:11; Matt 5:48). The word perfection used in Matthew 5:48, has the sense of maturity. What God calls us to may seem like a tall order to keep. However, He gave us His word to guide and enable us and His power to achieve that maturity (John 14:26). He never leaves us alone, He is always with us and in us and nothing will ever separate us from His love (Rom 8:39). Remember, not even Paul the apostle claimed perfection (Phil 3:12); it is a process of growth that we will still be involved in to the day we depart this earth! Be encouraged today, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13).