Perfect Perfection

2 Corinthians 13:9 "For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection."

2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

Since the Bible is translated, doing word studies is an essential tool to understand God's Word. The word 'perfection' in verse 9 has this definition: "a strengthening, perfecting of the soul, a training, disciplining, instructing." If you insert that definition in place of "perfection", it gives the verse a very different meaning.

It's the same with verse 11. Paul's command to be perfect does not mean that we are commanded to be without fault. That is not possible! The word 'perfect' here means, "ethically: to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be." Both words have this idea of completion.

We know that while we are not complete yet, one day we will be. In the meantime, it is a process that Jesus is continually moving us through to become more like Him, more complete. So the question is, am I working to train and discipline myself so that I can become what I ought to be?