John Calvin Commentary Matthew 5:48

"Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." — Matthew 5:48 (ASV)

You shall therefore be perfect. This perfection does not mean equality, but relates solely to resemblance.⁴²³

However distant we are from the perfection of God, we are said to be perfect, as he is perfect, when we aim at the same object, which he presents to us in Himself.

Alternatively, we may state it this way. There is no comparison here made between God and us; but the perfection of God means, first, that free and pure kindness, which is not induced by the expectation of gain; and, secondly, that remarkable goodness, which contends with the malice and ingratitude of men.

This appears more clearly from the words of Luke, Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful; for mercy is contrasted with a mercenary regard, which is founded on private advantage.

⁴²³ “Ceste perfection ne signifie pas qu'il y ait une.equalite et mesme mesure, mais elle se rapporte seulement a quelque ressemblance ou ap-proche.” — “That perfection does not mean that there is an equality or thee same measure, but it relates solely to some resemblance or approach.”.” — “That perfection does not mean that there is an equality or thee same measure, but it relates solely to some resemblance or approach.”