Finally, everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble. [1 Peter 3:8 (GW)]

Lord, stop me when I cross the line and my love and compassion become interference or control. Remind me to respect other people’s right to learn their own lessons, as painful as that sometimes may be for them (and me). Don’t let my compassion cripple the ones I love by sending a message that they are neither capable nor accountable. Keep me sensitive to the difference between empathizing or caring about someone and smothering, controlling or caring for that person.