Professionalism of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Cultivating Love as the Highest Value: An Exegetical Reflection on Exodus 23:25 at SD Negeri 067253 Medan Deli

Abstract

This study explores the professionalism of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers in cultivating love as the highest moral and spiritual value, grounded in an exegetical reflection on Exodus 23:25 and contextualized at SD Negeri 067253 Medan Deli. In Indonesian public schools, CRE teachers serve a critical role that extends far beyond the transmission of cognitive religious knowledge. The analysis of Exodus 23:25-particularly the Hebrew verb ‘ābad (to worship/serve)-reveals that biblical worship encompasses ethical fidelity and relational commitment, implying that devotion to God is inseparable from acts of compassionate service toward others. This theological insight positions love not merely as an ethical ideal but as a core expression of faithful teaching practice. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), the study synthesized 85 relevant articles on teacher professionalism, biblical ethics, character formation, and love-oriented pedagogy. The findings indicate that professional competence in CRE teaching is deeply holistic, involving spiritual maturity, pedagogical intentionality, ethical consistency, and relational warmth. Teachers who embody love create learning environments that support student well-being, intrinsic motivation, conflict resolution, and emotional healing. In the multicultural context of Medan Deli, love expressed through culturally sensitive pedagogy enhances students’ sense of belonging and moral development. The study concludes that love-centered professionalism, grounded in Exodus 23:25, transforms CRE teachers into agents of God’s blessing and restoration. By integrating biblical fidelity with educational excellence, CRE teachers shape students not only academically but as compassionate, responsible members of society.