We must understand that as long as Christ remains outside of us, and we are separated from Him, all that He has suffered and done for the salvation of the human race remains useless and of no value to us. All that Christ possesses is nothing to us until we grow into one body with Him. “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; a part from me you can do nothing,” John 15:5.

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When we know which one it is, we will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need we have expressed or prayed for. They have come to assist us through a difficulty and to provide us with guidance and support, to aid us physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like they are sent from God, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time this person will say or do something to bring this relationship to and end. Sometimes they may die, other times they walk away. What we must realize is our need has been met, our desire fulfilled. Their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into our lives for a season, because our turn has come to share, to grow and to learn. They bring us an experience of peace or make us laugh. They may teach us some things we have never done. They usually give us an unbelievable amount of joy, but only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach us lifetime lessons, things we must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Our job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what we have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of life. I personally, truly thank all who have been a part of my life: “To God, be the Glory.”

My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary becomes spiritually inspired of God. If your group or church would like to do a seminar on ‘How to Walk in the Spirit,’ contact Expressions of Faith at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <w310watson@aol.com>.