Meditation for Perfectionists – Friday March 13, 2026
Breaking and Entering
1 John 1:8-10: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (v.9).
“With God’s help I’m learning to love again,” said my Bible study partner. “Somewhere along the line I learned that loving another person meant getting inside his skin; trying to make him a better person, attempting to influence his decisions, pushing him toward maturity. Now I’m realizing that true love means standing beside; supporting, accepting, and encouraging. This new less demanding way of life is unfamiliar. I need daily help.”
Trying to get inside another’s thoughts or feelings in order to alter reactions and behavior is “breaking and entering.” It’s against God’s moral and spiritual law. When we attempt to climb inside and change another’s beliefs, emotions, or perceptions to match our own, we are impersonating the Holy Spirit.
These are sobering thoughts. Once we realize that our helping is actually hindering, we may feel humiliated and sad. What can we do?
We can ask God to help us. He is an understanding Father. When we go to him with our shortcomings and sins, he forgives and assists us in changing our defeating habits. This is the best news of all.
Lord, I’ve committed crimes against you and others.
Please forgive me and aid me in forgiving myself.
Copyright Joan C. Webb
For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com