The Spirituality of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Communicating the Message of Gratitude: A Reflection on Exodus 13:16 (A Study at SD Negeri 116258 Sei Peranginan)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the spirituality of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers and students’ formation of gratitude at SD Negeri 116258 Sei Peranginan, North Labuhanbatu. Drawing theological insight from Book of Exodus 13:16, which emphasizes embodied remembrance of God’s saving acts, the research investigates how teachers communicate gratitude not only through instruction but also through spiritual modeling. A quantitative approach was employed involving 55 Christian students as respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires measuring perceptions of teacher spirituality and students’ gratitude attitudes and behaviors. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between teacher spirituality and students’ gratitude formation. The findings indicate that students who perceive their teachers as spiritually consistent, demonstrating authentic prayer life, biblical integration, moral integrity, and relational warmth, are more likely to internalize gratitude cognitively, express it emotionally, and practice it behaviorally. The strongest influence was found in behavioral expressions of gratitude, suggesting that lived example plays a critical role in Christian character formation. The study concludes that teacher spirituality is not merely a personal dimension of faith but a pedagogical force that shapes students’ spiritual identity. When gratitude is communicated through both theological reflection and embodied witness, students develop a deeper awareness of God’s faithfulness and cultivate lasting habits of thankfulness in daily life.