Allowing changes

I just accepted a friend request on facebook from someone who had been a neighbor growing up. I wasn't sure whether or not to accept the request because of where I was emotionally back then. I'm not sure if it was really true or not, but back then I felt that no one liked me. I didn't have friends, did not feel accepted at school. Many teens feel the same way. I accepted the friend request because I am a different person - not only more self-aware, but more aware that others may feel the same as I. Another reason I hesitated is because of some of the things this person has done criminally prior to now. The reason I accepted is that as a Christian I would visit those who have been imprisoned and befriend them. Which does not mean that I would ever protect them from the legal or moral consequences of their own actions. It is possible that he has truly changed, (whether or not he has remains to be seen) and he deserves friends and the opportunity to demonstrate the person he is now.