Benjamin Franklin, it is said, once had a powerful enemy in Philadelphia. He asked himself how he might lose this enemy, and he hit on an idea: Franklin asked the man who hated him to lend him a particular book. The man was flattered. And on the common ground between the book owner and the borrower, a friendship formed.
It’s ironic that asking someone to help can lower walls. But it’s true. People are endeared to us when they can do something for us.
This is Howard Butt Jr. of Laity Lodge. I’m not suggesting you presume on others, let them do your work, or habitually ask for favors. I do suggest that friendships deepen when we accept the graciousness of another … in the high calling of our daily work.
“He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.”— Proverbs 22:11
