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Book of Mormon
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3 Nephi
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Chapter 12

3 Nephi 12:48

Verse 48 38

Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

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References from this verse

Scripture footnote

perfect

Matthew 5:48 3 Nephi 19:28 3 Nephi 19:29

Verified

Referenced in other verses

Scripture footnote

And

Matthew 5:1

Verified

Confidence filter

All High confidence Verified

All
Quotes
References
Alludes to

- **Scriptural Witnesses** — Russell M. Nelson (October 2007) · Reference
  What about the New Testament?
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/scriptural-witnesses?lang=eng&id=p24#p24

- **Eternal Life through Jesus Christ** — John M. Madsen (April 2002) · Alludes to
  Said the risen Lord: “What manner of men ought ye to be?
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/04/eternal-life-through-jesus-christ?lang=eng&id=p27#p27

- **Content with the Things Allotted unto Us** — Neal A. Maxwell (April 2000) · Alludes to
  Hence, we can and “ought to be content with the things … allotted unto [us],” (Alma 29:3), being circumstantially content but without being self-satisfied and behaviorally content with ourselves (see 3 Ne.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/04/content-with-the-things-allotted-unto-us?lang=eng&id=p28#p28

- **“For This Cause Came I into the World”** — Alexander B. Morrison (October 1999) · Alludes to
  Jesus came to earth, first and foremost, as the atoning Savior, who died that all might find “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1999/10/for-this-cause-came-i-into-the-world?lang=eng&id=p7#p7

- **Never Give Up** — Joseph B. Wirthlin (October 1987) · Alludes to
  Of course, the ultimate example of perseverance is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has and will overcome every obstacle in doing the will of our Heavenly Father.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/10/never-give-up?lang=eng&id=p21#p21

- **“Brother’s Keeper”** — Dallin H. Oaks (October 1986) · Alludes to
  Most of us can be relatively comfortable when a message on the Golden Rule in the workplace uses examples like illegal drugs and theft by deception.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1986/10/brothers-keeper?lang=eng&id=p19#p19

- **The Character of Christ** — D. Todd Christofferson (April 2026) · Reference
  Since we know that the Lord will come and establish a new earth where righteousness prevails, Peter asks, “What manner of persons ought ye to be?” He counsels that we should be preparing diligently now so that when the Lord comes, He will find us “in peace, without spot, and blameless,” leading lives of holiness.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/51christofferson?lang=eng&id=p_rNk5f#p_rNk5f

- **Be Perfected in Him** — Paul V. Johnson (October 2022) · Reference
  The Savior taught that we “should be perfect.” This can seem so daunting.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/24johnson?lang=eng&id=p11#p11

- **Addressing Mental Health** — Erich W. Kopischke (October 2021) · Reference
  At the same time, our doctrine teaches us to strive to become like Jesus Christ and be perfected in Him.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/25kopischke?lang=eng&id=p3#p3

- **Free Forever, to Act for Themselves** — D. Todd Christofferson (October 2014) · Reference
  We should (and we do) rejoice in the God-ordained plan that permits us to make choices to act for ourselves and experience the consequences, or as the scriptures express it, to “taste the bitter, that [we] may know to prize the good.” We are forever grateful that the Savior’s Atonement overcame original sin so that we can be born into this world yet not be punished for Adam’s transgression.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?lang=eng&id=p13#p13

- **Where Your Treasure Is** — Michael John U. Teh (April 2014) · Reference
  What are some treasures in heaven that we can lay up for ourselves?
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/where-your-treasure-is?lang=eng&id=p27#p27

- **Forget Me Not** — Dieter F. Uchtdorf (October 2011) · Reference
  God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/10/forget-me-not?lang=eng&id=p14#p14

- **A 12-Year-Old Deacon** — John M. Madsen (April 2008) · Reference
  That each one of us, as sons of God, can fulfill our mission and destiny is made plain by these words of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments … may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.”
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/04/a-12-year-old-deacon?lang=eng&id=p19#p19

- **Our Father’s Plan** — Christoffel Golden Jr. (October 2001) · Reference
  Likewise, latter-day revelation reveals that our Heavenly Father ordained a great plan of happiness for all of His spirit children who had kept their first estate.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/our-fathers-plan?lang=eng&id=p5#p5

- **The Time to Prepare** — Joseph B. Wirthlin (April 1998) · Reference
  In both His Old and New World ministries, the Savior commanded, “Be ye therefore perfect.” A footnote explains that the Greek word translated as perfect means “complete, finished, fully developed.” Our Heavenly Father wants us to use this mortal probation to “fully develop” ourselves, to make the most of our talents and abilities.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1998/04/the-time-to-prepare?lang=eng&id=p10#p10

- **Christians in Belief and Action** — Joseph B. Wirthlin (October 1996) · Reference
  To repeat, by definition a Christian not only professes belief in the Savior, but a Christian lives and acts according to the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/10/christians-in-belief-and-action?lang=eng&id=p24#p24

- **The Teachings of Jesus Christ** — Dallin H. Oaks (April 2023) · Quote
  > “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.”
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/51oaks?lang=eng&id=p51#p51

- **The Savior’s Abiding Compassion** — Ulisses Soares (October 2021) · Quote
  > “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.”
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/14soares?lang=eng&id=p16#p16

- **“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten”** — D. Todd Christofferson (April 2011) · Quote
  > would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  Our Heavenly Father is a God of high expectations.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/04/as-many-as-i-love-i-rebuke-and-chasten?lang=eng&id=p3#p3

- **Attempting the Impossible** — Jorge F. Zeballos (October 2009) · Quote
  > “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  When the twelve disciples were called in the Americas, the Lord Jesus Christ commanded them: “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” The Savior had recently finalized His successful, selfless, and transcendental mission on earth.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/attempting-the-impossible?lang=eng&id=p3#p3

- **More Holiness Give Me** — H. David Burton (October 2004) · Quote
  > would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  Some aspects of life can be significantly enhanced by the notion that more is better.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/more-holiness-give-me?lang=eng&id=p14#p14

- **This Is Our Day** — James E. Faust (April 1999) · Quote
  > would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  The most difficult of all challenges given to us is, “I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” Perfection is an eternal goal.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1999/04/this-is-our-day?lang=eng&id=p21#p21

- **Perfection Pending** — Russell M. Nelson (October 1995) · Quote
  > would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  That Jesus attained eternal perfection following His resurrection is confirmed in the Book of Mormon.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/10/perfection-pending?lang=eng&id=p21#p21

- **The Way to Perfection** — Royden G. Derrick (April 1989) · Quote
  > “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount in the Holy Land, the Savior said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.” (Matt.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1989/04/the-way-to-perfection?lang=eng&id=p28#p28

- **To Follow or Not, That Is the Question** — Charles Didier (October 1981) · Quote
  > “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” (3 Ne.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1981/10/to-follow-or-not-that-is-the-question?lang=eng&id=p30#p30

- **God’s Way to Eternal Life** — Bernard P. Brockbank (October 1973) · Quote
  > would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven
  The Lord also commanded man to build godlike perfection into his life.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1973/10/gods-way-to-eternal-life?lang=eng&id=p54#p54

- **Man—A Child of God** — Marion G. Romney (April 1973) · Quote
  > be [ye] perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” (3
  “… be [ye] perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” (3 Ne.
  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1973/04/man-a-child-of-god?lang=eng&id=p87#p87

Scriptural Witnesses

Russell M. Nelson October 2007 Saturday Afternoon Session

What about the New Testament?

Reference Verified
Eternal Life through Jesus Christ

John M. Madsen April 2002 Sunday Afternoon Session

Said the risen Lord: “What manner of men ought ye to be?

Alludes to High confidence
Content with the Things Allotted unto Us

Neal A. Maxwell April 2000 Sunday Afternoon Session

Hence, we can and “ought to be content with the things … allotted unto [us],” (Alma 29:3), being circumstantially content but without being self-satisfied and behaviorally content with ourselves (see 3 Ne.

Alludes to High confidence
“For This Cause Came I into the World”

Alexander B. Morrison October 1999 Saturday Afternoon Session

Jesus came to earth, first and foremost, as the atoning Savior, who died that all might find “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).

Alludes to High confidence
Never Give Up

Joseph B. Wirthlin October 1987 Saturday Morning Session

Of course, the ultimate example of perseverance is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has and will overcome every obstacle in doing the will of our Heavenly Father.

Alludes to High confidence
“Brother’s Keeper”

Dallin H. Oaks October 1986 Saturday Afternoon Session

Most of us can be relatively comfortable when a message on the Golden Rule in the workplace uses examples like illegal drugs and theft by deception.

Alludes to High confidence
The Character of Christ

D. Todd Christofferson April 2026 Sunday Afternoon Session

Since we know that the Lord will come and establish a new earth where righteousness prevails, Peter asks, “What manner of persons ought ye to be?” He counsels that we should be preparing diligently now so that when the Lord comes, He will find us “in peace, without spot, and blameless,” leading lives of holiness.

Reference Verified
Be Perfected in Him

Paul V. Johnson October 2022 Saturday Afternoon Session

The Savior taught that we “should be perfect.” This can seem so daunting.

Reference Verified
Addressing Mental Health

Erich W. Kopischke October 2021 Saturday Afternoon Session

At the same time, our doctrine teaches us to strive to become like Jesus Christ and be perfected in Him.

Reference Verified
Free Forever, to Act for Themselves

D. Todd Christofferson October 2014 Saturday Morning Session

We should (and we do) rejoice in the God-ordained plan that permits us to make choices to act for ourselves and experience the consequences, or as the scriptures express it, to “taste the bitter, that [we] may know to prize the good.” We are forever grateful that the Savior’s Atonement overcame original sin so that we can be born into this world yet not be punished for Adam’s transgression.

Reference Verified
Where Your Treasure Is

Michael John U. Teh April 2014 Sunday Afternoon Session

What are some treasures in heaven that we can lay up for ourselves?

Reference Verified
Forget Me Not

Dieter F. Uchtdorf October 2011 General Relief Society Meeting

God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal.

Reference Verified
A 12-Year-Old Deacon

John M. Madsen April 2008 Priesthood Session

That each one of us, as sons of God, can fulfill our mission and destiny is made plain by these words of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments … may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.”

Reference Verified
Our Father’s Plan

Christoffel Golden Jr. October 2001 Saturday Afternoon Session

Likewise, latter-day revelation reveals that our Heavenly Father ordained a great plan of happiness for all of His spirit children who had kept their first estate.

Reference Verified
The Time to Prepare

Joseph B. Wirthlin April 1998 Saturday Morning Session

In both His Old and New World ministries, the Savior commanded, “Be ye therefore perfect.” A footnote explains that the Greek word translated as perfect means “complete, finished, fully developed.” Our Heavenly Father wants us to use this mortal probation to “fully develop” ourselves, to make the most of our talents and abilities.

Reference Verified
Christians in Belief and Action

Joseph B. Wirthlin October 1996 Sunday Afternoon Session

To repeat, by definition a Christian not only professes belief in the Savior, but a Christian lives and acts according to the teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ.

Reference Verified
The Teachings of Jesus Christ

Dallin H. Oaks April 2023 Sunday Afternoon Session

“Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote Verified
The Savior’s Abiding Compassion

Ulisses Soares October 2021 Saturday Morning Session

“Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote Verified
“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten”

D. Todd Christofferson April 2011 Sunday Afternoon Session

would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote High confidence
Attempting the Impossible

Jorge F. Zeballos October 2009 Saturday Afternoon Session

“Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote Verified
More Holiness Give Me

H. David Burton October 2004 Sunday Afternoon Session

would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote High confidence
This Is Our Day

James E. Faust April 1999 Saturday Morning Session

would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote Verified
Perfection Pending

Russell M. Nelson October 1995 Sunday Afternoon Session

would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote Verified
The Way to Perfection

Royden G. Derrick April 1989 Sunday Afternoon Session

“Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote High confidence
To Follow or Not, That Is the Question

Charles Didier October 1981 Sunday Morning Session

“Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote High confidence
God’s Way to Eternal Life

Bernard P. Brockbank October 1973 Sunday Afternoon Session

would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven

Quote High confidence
Man—A Child of God

Marion G. Romney April 1973 Sunday Morning Session

be [ye] perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” (3

Quote High confidence

Topical Guide

Benevolence
God, Perfection of
God, the Standard of Righteousness
Jesus Christ, Exemplar
Man, Potential to Become like Heavenly Father
Man, a Spirit Child of Heavenly Father
Mission of Early Saints
Objectives
Perfection, Perfect, Perfectly