Perfection vs Wholeness

Being perfect and being whole can be very similar, the are both about being complete; however, perfection is the state where nothing is wanting and being whole is the state of being entire and non-defective. The question is, can we be perfect or whole?

Perfection is described well in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary when it claims " Perfection [is] the state of being perfect or complete, so that nothing requisite is wanting." When comparing perfection and wholeness it is easy to see that both words mean "complete" however the term "perfection" is different because it is describing something without want. If something or someone is without want that means they're feeling content, complete and consummated. It means they are being pure and perfect.


Being whole is also about being complete, but it includes being entire and not defective. It is not very different from perfection, they do have similarities. Being whole is being together, unified and total. Being whole means finding peace and we can only be made whole through the Savior. Elder Timothy J. Dyches said, "As we repent and become converted to the Lord, we become whole, and our guilt is swept away. We may wonder, as did Enos, “How is it done?” The Lord answers: 'Because of thy faith in Christ. … Wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole'"
However there is a connection between these two terms. They both mean "complete." Perfection means pure and without fault ever. While we are on earth we are striving to become like our Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is perfect and even though we try to be like him we are not perfect beings, however, we can be whole. In Elder Timothy J. Dyches on becoming whole, he says that through repentance Christ can make us whole.
In future days we will be able to be perfect. For now we will do our best to be perfect and in the mean time we can be whole. Christ is our example and through Him we can be made complete and eventually fulfill our true and overall purpose.
(https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/wilt-thou-be-made-whole?lang=eng)