Thoughts on Friendships (REAL friends, that is)
Had an interesting talk with a friend about something. From that conversation, we hit a serious point. This is in regards to friendships (and true friendships at that).

I guess I've also come to realize that one's manners say much more about a person than I had thought previously. I used to be very forgiving if someone was a social dunce. However, in light of our conversation, I see it a tad differently. Someone who doesn't have any decent manners may indicate that such a person is really selfish and cares very little for the consequences of their actions. Long story short, some "friends" just don't have any respect for anyone else.

On another level, some friends I trust to tell me the truth (and some of these truths can be harsh). I love these people because I know they love me enough to tell me what I need to hear (as opposed to what I may want to hear). Some friends aren't quite at this point. I still think that is fine.

However there are those who's friendships are are tenuous at best. They exist notionally and not much more. It's like maintaining a mask of falsehood. In short, it's a more drawn out way of lying. Sure, I can be forgiving. Some believe I shouldn't even give them the time of day. Whatever the case, I can surely say this: They simply aren't my friends...period. You know who they are. Those are the ones who'd rather lie straight to your face in both their words and actions than to bear any notion of honesty and accountability for what they do.

This afternoon, I was browsing at Berean (a Christian bookstore) and I came across something that spoke to me as clear as day. In it, I found this interesting line: Being passive isn't love. Love is getting in people's faces and telling them the truth. Well, ain't that the real McCoy...