FRIENDSHIP IS A GIFT OF LIFE, A GIFT FROM GOD. THE LORD POLISHES US AND MAKES US MATURE THROUGH FRIENDS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE FAITHFUL FRIENDS WHO ARE AT OUR SIDE IN DIFFICULT TIMES ARE A REFLECTION OF THE LORD’S TENDERNESS, HIS COMFORT AND HIS KIND PRESENCE. HAVING FRIENDS TEACHES US TO OPEN UP, TO TAKE CARE OF OTHERS, TO UNDERSTAND THEM, TO GET OUT OF OUR COMFORT AND ISOLATION, TO SHARE LIFE. THIS IS WHY: “A FAITHFUL FRIEND HAS NO PRICE” (IF 6:15).