Economic times are tough and joblessness is becoming a big problem. During times of financial calamity, marriages and other important relationships can be strained and put on the rocks. But one of the greatest acts of faith that we can do during tough financial times is to make the quality decision to not allow these challenges to destroy what matters most of all: our relationships.

The very reason why God created relationships is for support, stability and comfort in our lives. As humans, we are by ourselves extremely weak and fragile, but through the bond of relationships we have the power to overcome anything and everything under the sun. That's why the Bible says, "Though one may be easily overpowered, two can defend themselves" and goes on to add, "A cord of three strands is not easily broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Far too often, whether knowingly or unknowingly, we end up being alone and isolated because in times of turmoil we allow offense and misunderstandings to separate us from the very people who can help us overcome life's battles. When a husband and wife, brother and sister or two best friends commit against all odds to bond together and stay together because they love each other too much to see each other suffering or failing, the force of their unity brings a blessing that makes overcoming problems easy.

We as humans are not meant to be alone, and we do others a great wrong when we cut people out of our lives and force them to face situations on their own. The Bible records God as saying, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). God needs us to help one another out, both in times of want and times of prosperity. It's time for us to take a step back and learn to cherish the people in our lives. Our greatest investments are not the house, the car or the stocks, but the people God has allowed to be a part of our lives. One of the things I love about the Hawaiian word "mahalo" is how it literally translates as "Thank you for making me a part of your spirit." We need to cherish the spiritual gift that our family, friends, and neighbors are in our lives.

St. Peter wrote, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). If we make the decision to put love first in all our relationships, we really will make it through this season of want. I truly believe that God wants to break our addiction and dependence on cash and teach us to seek the true gold of love for one another.

Truly, divided we fall, but united, we shall stand — so don't just tell someone you love them, prove it to them by refusing to abandon them in their time of need.