The Ten Commandments of Friendship

(Photo by Eli)

I came across this list this morning in the back of David Jeremiah's book, The Power of Encouragement (though the list itself was produced anonymously). I found it a helpful reminder of small things we can do towards others that may bring about large blessings in their lives.

The Ten Commandments of Friendship

1.) Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.
2.) Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, but only 14 to smile!
3.) Call people by name. The sweetest music to anyone's ear is the sound of their own name.
4.) Be friendly and helpful. If you would have friends, be friendly.
5.) Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do were a real pleasure.
6.) Be genuinely interested in people. You can like everyone IF YOU TRY.
7.) Be generous with praise, cautious with criticism. Try for a ratio of seven praises to each criticism.
8.) Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.
9.) Be thoughtful of the opinions of others. People love their opinions as they do their own children; calling them ugly won't get you anything but anger.
10.) Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others!