From the bottom of a pile of papers on my desk comes today’s Top Ten Human Relationship Tips (a.k.a Top Ten Ways to Make Friends or Keep Them).

10. Speak to people: There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting – Phil 1:3

9. Smile at people: Some suggest it takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile – Phil 4:8

8. Call people by name: The sweetest music to any one’s ears is the sound of his or her own name – Matt 7:12.

7. Be friendly and helpful: If you would have a friend, be one – Prov 18:24.

6. Be cordial: Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure – Eccl 9:10.

5. Be interested in people: You can like everybody if you try – Gen 1:27.

4. Be generous with praise while cautious with criticism: Praise when you have opportunity – Prov 3:27 and season all your speech – Eph 4:29ff.

3. Be considerate of the feelings of others: They will appreciate it – Eph 4:32.

2. Be thoughtful of others opinions: You are not right 100% of the time, so listen to them – Phil 2:3-4.

And the NUMBER ONE Human Relationship Tip. . .

1. Be ready and willing to SERVE – 1 Pet 4:10.