Couple ways to look at it

The book of James and the book of Hebrews extoll the virtues of Works or Grace. They are squarely in one side of the argument respectively.
Interestingly, they both use Abraham as the father of their point of view.

They differ from each other but are both scripture. I say you meet in the middle!!!

True, you are saved by Grace. Period. You have no ability to affect even the very first step toward redemption on your own. No 'work' will suffice. It is all in and through the merits of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.

How much of this saving, redeeming, and ennobling power you are able to utilize, take hold of, absorb, or have applied to you IS dependent on you.

Work yourself in your life to become more like Him. Take that change with you beyond the grave and indeed you can realize the blessing in Matthew 5:48.

You can BECOME Perfected IN/THROUGH/BECAUSE of that Grace.

There is no more worthy aspiration in this life!!!

It is circular logic, and thus confusing to make perfect sense of. I admit!

My $0.02