Where Have the Anvils Gone?

Today I received a phone call from a friend. At first we were just chatting about life, but then she started talking about some of our mutual friends that she was worried about. She was telling me about some of the decisions they were making, and how they justify their actions. She started explaining how worried she was about them, and how her worry is turning into anger. She was saying that she is starting to think that she shouldn't hangout with them anymore, but it's hard because she's been friends with them for years. I know how she feels because I've dealt with the same urge, but I finally decided that they are better as distant friends. She was asking me what to do. I told her that right now they aren't being the best of friends to her, and they aren't setting a good example for her, so she should probably at least take a break from them. What can you do for friends like that? I mean, you care for them, but they aren't the best of friends right now, and they are so hard-headed and stuck in their ways that they aren't going to change. Most people would say to love them for who they are, but what does that entail? Do you say to them, "Hey, I noticed that you are giving up on yourself, and throwing your life down the drain, but just know that I love you"? How is that helping anyone? I was reading in True to the Faith under "love" and it says, "Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection... Our expressions of love for others may include being kind to them, listening to them, mourning with them, comforting them, serving them, praying for them, sharing the gospel with them, and being their friend." This in no way says to stand by and let them do their thing. We need to talk to them in a loving way, listen to them, and if they choose to be angry with something that you say, which they probably will, that is when you pray for them and serve them. Bottom line, you may have to take a break from bad influences, but don't just disappear. Explain things to them. Let them know that you'll be right there for them when they need you, then take a step back. If they know how you feel (even if they didn't like what you had to say) it will at least get them thinking. They'll eventually figure out that you were only doing what you did out of love. Have patience and faith. It'll all come out in the wash.