Perfect love

Matt 5:43-48 NIV

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

If I want to be like my Father, I need to love everyone, not only my family and friends.  For much of my life, I have interpreted verse 48 as focusing on being morally perfect (i.e., without sin), but this morning it occurred to me that verse 48 is referring back to verse 45 and instructing us to love everyone (i.e., a perfect 100% of everyone).

Father, I am your son, and I want to love everyone and be kind to everyone as you are.  Jesus, thank you for showing me the way. Holy Spirit, thank you for your power.  I love you.