Walking in His Footsteps: Building Bridges Through Love and Understanding

 

This week in my clinical practice has been particularly enlightening. It has shown me how God works through us to reach those who need love and understanding the most. As I reflect on my experiences with my 7th-grade students, I'm reminded of Matthew 19:14, where Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

During our grade-level meeting, we discussed several students who face behavioral and academic challenges. What struck me most was how God has enabled me to build meaningful connections with these students whom others find difficult to reach. This situation reminds me of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, Love is kind... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

One particular student, who regularly skips other classes, faithfully attends our math class. This relationship didn't develop through complex strategies but through simple Christian principles of love, acceptance, and genuine care. I make sure to greet him warmly every day, show interest in his life outside of school, and provide extra help when he needs it. As Proverbs 22:6 teaches us, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it." We're planting seeds of self-worth and purpose by showing these students they are valued and worthy of attention.

Another touching example is my interaction with a student who named his pet gecko John. By taking the time to learn about his pet and his love for blue-jolly ranchers, I've been able to motivate him academically. This approach reflects Jesus's teaching style—He met people where they were and used their daily experiences to connect with them. Just as Jesus used parables about fishing to reach fishermen, I used personal interests to reach my students.

With another student, patience and encouragement have been key. When he struggles with mathematical concepts, I remind him that it's okay to make mistakes and that I'm there to support him. This affirmation mirrors God's patience with us, as stated in 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise... Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish."

My approach to these "challenging" students stems from my Christian worldview, which holds that every child is created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. While some might see behavioral issues, I see children of God who need love, understanding, and guidance. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:40, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

The success of using positive reinforcement - whether through candy, kind words, or simply listening - demonstrates what Proverbs 16:24 tells us: "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." These small acts of kindness open doors to deeper connections and learning opportunities.

I was humbled during the grade-level meeting when the administration discussed implementing my relationship-building strategies across other classrooms. These strategies include showing genuine interest in the students' lives, providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment, and using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and academic performance. It reminded me of Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." My Christian leadership isn't demonstrated through grand gestures but through daily acts of kindness, patience, and understanding.

The transformative power of this approach reflects God's transformative love for us. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "For Christ's love compels us... that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them." By showing these students genuine care and concern, we're not just improving their academic performance - we're showing them a glimpse of God's unconditional love.

Moving forward, I remain committed to this Christ-centered approach to teaching. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Every smile, every completed assignment, and every moment of engagement from these students is a reminder that through God's Love and guidance, we can make a difference in the lives of those entrusted to our care.

This week has reinforced my belief that teaching is not just a profession - it's a ministry. Through these experiences, I've seen how a Christian mindset transforms classroom dynamics and creates an environment where even the most challenging students can thrive.