You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
~ Matthew 5:48, ESV ~
When we come to Christ, it had a significant impact on our lives. We are drawn out of our illusion of innocence and former beliefs. Prior to our faith and conversion, we viewed ourselves as innocent individuals, victims of circumstances, and developed inability to take responsibility for our own lives and actions. We typically spent our time and energy casting blame on others or circumstances beyond our control.
Spiritual growth and maturation in Christ requires that we take responsibility for our own lives, attitudes, and behaviors. It is a process we engage in. We develop an ability to begin correcting our own character defects. Through our spiritual growth, we strive to become perfect as Our Heavenly Father is perfect. This is only accomplished as we consistently align ourselves in living out Christ’s example and ministry.
What does it mean to be perfect? It means we grow into a perfect sense of love for God, self, and others.
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 