Shaping the Spiritual Character of SEKAMI Children Through the Teaching of Love (Matthew 22:34–40)

Abstract

This study examines the development of spiritual character in SEKAMI adolescents through the teaching of the doctrine of love based on Matthew 22:34-40. The study is motivated by the importance of contextual and participatory faith formation amid technological advancements and the increasing use of digital devices among adolescents, which can influence their engagement with and internalization of Christian values in daily life. This study aims to describe the steps involved in teaching the doctrine of love and to analyze the spiritual character formed through this teaching in SEKAMI (The Pontifical Society of Missionary Adolescents). This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach conducted at St. Elizabeth’s Ecclesial Community in Kampung Dalam, St. Joseph’s Parish in Delitua. Data collection involved observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, involving SEKAMI's mentors, members, and parents. The results of the study indicate that the teaching of the doctrine of love is carried out through three stages: planning, implementation, and evaluation of the mentoring process. In the planning stage, the mentors prepare themes based on the weekly Gospel, the objectives of the mentoring, Scripture materials, and interactive learning methods. In the implementation stage, mentoring is carried out in a contextual and participatory manner through Gospel stories, group discussions, faith games, communal prayer, and reflection. Evaluation is conducted through reflection, question-and-answer sessions, and observation of the children’s behavioral development. This study also shows that the spiritual character of SEKAMI's members develops through a loving relationship with God, a loving relationship with others, and loving behaviors in daily life such as honesty, responsibility, cooperation, discipline, compassion, a spirit of forgiveness, and the habit of helping others. Thus, teaching the doctrine of love based on Matthew 22:34-40 makes an important contribution to their  spiritual character formation.