Empathic Communication among Christian Religious Education Teachers: An Exegetical Reflection on Exodus 7:17 at SDN 164518 Padang Hulu-Tebing Tinggi

Abstract

This study examines the role of empathic communication among Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers, drawing on an exegetical reflection of Exodus 7:17 and its relevance for professional interactions at SDN 164518 Padang Hulu, Tebing Tinggi. While the biblical passage presents a moment of divine judgment delivered through Moses, its communicative structure reveals God’s clarity, intentionality, and purpose in addressing human resistance. This theological insight becomes a framework for understanding how empathic communication can shape constructive interpersonal relationships among educators in contemporary school settings. Using a qualitative descriptive method, the study integrates biblical exegesis, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with CRE teachers to explore how scriptural values inform communication practices. The findings show that empathic communication emerges through active listening, emotional sensitivity, verbal gentleness, and respect for diverse viewpoints. CRE teachers consistently seek to understand colleagues’ concerns, reduce tension, and maintain harmonious collaboration, particularly in a pluralistic environment where educators come from various religious and cultural backgrounds. The study also reveals several challenges, including time pressures, workload, and differences in educational perspectives that occasionally hinder empathic engagement. Nevertheless, teachers emphasize that theological grounding provides both moral direction and emotional resilience, enabling them to respond with patience and clarity in difficult interactions. The study concludes that empathic communication is a vital competence combining spiritual maturity, relational awareness, and pedagogical responsibility. When rooted in biblical insight, such as the communicative intentionality illustrated in Exodus 7:17, empathic communication strengthens collegial relationships and enhances the overall relational climate within the school community.