perfectionism
What does the Bible say about perfectionism? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
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9And he said to me: “My grace is sufficient for you. For virtue is perfected in weakness.” And so, willingly shall I glory in my weaknesses, so that the virtue of Christ may live within me. 10Because of this, I am pleased in my infirmity: in reproaches, in difficulties, in persecutions, in distresses, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful.
8If we claim that we have no sin, then we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
20Wisdom has strengthened the wise more than ten princes of a city.
2For we all offend in many ways. If anyone does not offend in word, he is a perfect man. And he is then able, as if with a bridle, to lead the whole body around.
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who are not walking according to the flesh. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed me from the law of sin and death. 3For though this was impossible under the law, because it was weakened by the flesh, God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and because of sin, in order to condemn sin in the flesh, 4so that the justification of the law might be fulfilled in us. For we are not walking according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. 5For those who are in agreement with the flesh are mindful of the things of the flesh. But those who are in agreement with the spirit are mindful of the things of the spirit. 6For the prudence of the flesh is death. But the prudence of the spirit is life and peace.
12It is not as though I have already received this, or were already perfect. But rather I pursue, so that by some means I might attain, that in which I have already been attained by Christ Jesus. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have already attained this. Instead, I do one thing: forgetting those things that are behind, and extending myself toward those things that are ahead, 14I pursue the destination, the prize of the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus.
9If we confess our sins, then he is faithful and just, so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquity.
31God, his way is immaculate; the eloquence of the Lord is an exacting fire. He is the shield of all who hope in him.
3Are you so foolish that, though you began with the Spirit, you would now end with the flesh?
14For, by one oblation, he has brought to fulfillment, for all time, those who are sanctified.