Guest Column / Richard Etienne

Let the Spirit guide you in building up the body of Christ

If you are getting along in age as I am, here’s a question: have you ever been blessed to have the wonderful experience of someone writing you—yes, by pen, on paper and delivered by regular mail—or texting you or telling you that you had a major effect on their life?

Most of us would be surprised to know that some small act of kindness from the past had a major impact on someone.

We never know how a kind word, a short note, or a quick phone call will impact another person. If a person lives long enough, there will be moments when he or she will need a little encouragement to persevere in their efforts to do what’s right. It is at those times that we are especially touched by any positive message we receive.

I believe that the Holy Spirit is always at work in our lives when we are open to this action.

I am regularly prompted to send a quick text or picture when stirred by an idea, a specific object or a place that reminded me of someone whom I love or with whom I have had a friendship. This little act conveys that I am thinking about a person and how they’ve touched my life. On occasion, I am even moved to send a card or note when the moment seems appropriate.

I was recently surprised when my nephew asked my great niece to make a short video greeting for my birthday. It was a wonderful to hear her say that she thought I was very important to her “and the whole family, actually!”

In the Acts of the Apostles, we read, “The Church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers” (Acts 9:31).

Likewise, we too are called to build up one another as members of the body of Christ whenever we are prompted by the Holy Spirit.

Is there someone in your life who could use a brief interaction that you could initiate today? Could you take a few moments to encourage this person? Why not do it today?
 

(Richard Etienne has a degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad and resides in Newburgh, Ind.) †