Sometimes, we think we can fix other people around us too.
This can be motivated by selfishness - such as when we want others to fit a mold based on our personal preferences/ideal, or when we want people to stop doing things just because it annoys us. But sometimes it can be motivated by love. Because we really believe that things will be better for them and benefit their lives if they do things a different way. But the problem is that it's from our own limited perspective - it's based on what we think is "wrong" and what we consider to be the "right" way. And we don't always know best. And even if it's out of the best of intentions, we often hurt others more than help them when we treat them in this manner. In the end, how effective is it really in bringing positive things to the lives of others? Even if people do change for us, they may be left with resentment, or their self-esteem may be affected by the fact that we weren't able to love and accept them as they are.
When Jesus saw our shortcomings, He didn't just issue edicts from the comforts of heaven demanding us to change. Nor did He write off fallen mankind as a failed creation and discard us. Rather, He took action Himself first. He lowered Himself by coming down to this world. To live among men. To walk beside them. To understand how they felt. Then, as the ultimate lowering of Himself, He gave up His own life, whether or not we would ever appreciate it or acknowledge it.
Rather than nagging or laying on His expectations, Jesus gave of Himself. And it was in that sacrifice that we have a source of continual healing for our brokenness.
I have much to learn from our greatest model. Do I put myself in others' shoes first when they do things I don't understand/agree with? To try to get into their thought process and understand the past experiences that have shaped their view? And when faced with things that I consider to be imperfections or less than ideal in others, do I look for things that I myself can do to help the situation?
I'm thankful for how God has been working on my heart. Realizing and seeing things differently is the first step. Next, to take things day by day - every opportunity we meet is a chance to practice. Every step counts!