Be perfect. Read 2 Corinthians 13:8-11. Be perfect, really? Impossible! Before going to seminary, I just threw my hands up when I came across bible verses that gave the message that we are to be perfect. Then I studied Greek and found a whole new vocabulary. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Our prayer is for your perfection.” Writing in Greek, Paul used the word “katartizo,” which means completely restored. That’s a big difference. My attempts to be perfect have failed miserably. The Corinthians were the church that had a mess. They were far from perfect. Leading up to his offer of praying for their perfection, Paul wrote about three topics. First, he addressed the Corinthians' need to stop their arguing, gossiping, and angry outbursts. Second, he shared the Good News. Jesus was crucified and now lives in power. Third, he encouraged the Corinthians to examine themselves and their faith. Paul was praying for their restoration, which comes through God’s mercy and forgiveness. As the "KPop Demon Hunters" movie reaches its climax, Rumi examines herself and is ready to live in the truth. Through the song, “This is what it Sounds Like,” she confesses her sins to Mira and Zoey, and they are reconciled. They are completely restored. We don’t live in the KPop cartoon world. We live in the real world right here and right now. In this world, the Christian artist, Gungor, questioned, “All this pain, I wonder if I’ll ever find my way, I wonder if my life could really change at all. Could all that is lost ever be found? Could a garden come up from this ground at all?” Gungor’s conclusion is that God can make beautiful things out of dust. God created forgiveness from a cross. God continues to create restoration in our brokenness. Don’t worry if you can’t be perfect. Focus on God’s healing and restoration for your life.

Prayer: Lord, our Redeemer, forgive us our sins and give us complete restoration. Help us to rely on your strength to overcome our weakness. Help us to be rooted in your love and grow in grace. Amen.