Focus on the Lord and Respond to His Love

What Matters in God’s Eyes? What Truly Matters Is …

　　I still remember when I began my studies at the seminary, a senior student once said to me, “Many things (including people and matters) are more important than grades.” I did not quite understand it at first, but later I realized that his words echoed what a teacher reminded us of during the spiritual formation camp at the beginning of the school year: “What truly matters in the Lord’s eyes? How do we live in a way that pleases Him?” Three years have passed, and I have come to understand that what matters is not proving myself to Him or to others, but focusing on the Lord, responding to His love, and living out the life of Jesus Christ.

From Responding to God’s Love to Learning and Serving

　　God is all-knowing. Even before He called me, He already knew all my limitations and weaknesses. During my three-year journey of theological studies, I came to realize that I can only rely on God’s grace day by day, allowing Him to renew and transform my life. To please the Lord means focusing on Him and making good use of all He has given me to love Him and love others. Learning and serving are not mutually exclusive—but rather, they enrich one another. We seek knowledge to respond to the Lord’s calling and His love—to know Him better, learn to love as He does, and serve Him faithfully. We serve others to meet their needs, put love into practice, and respond to the Lord, thereby learning and understanding more deeply what love truly is.

Trusting God and Experiencing His Abundance in Weakness

　　The Lord has taught me to rely on His grace in the midst of my weakness, which has been a tremendous challenge for me. During the summer break of my first year, multiple family members became ill and passed away one after another. In addition, I suffered a torn ligament in my right shoulder due to an accident, which limited the movement of my right arm. The lengthy rehabilitation process made me doubt whether I could continue my studies. Amidst my struggles, the Lord taught me to trust Him completely, especially in my weakest moments. I completed my studies while undergoing rehabilitation and even served alongside others in the student union. Perhaps what first motivates one to serve God is simply a willing heart—while not focusing on what one lacks and why one cannot adequately serve Him. I never imagined I could serve the Lord with peace and joy even with my limitations. I thank God for allowing me to experience His abundance.

Knowing God: From the Head to the Heart

　　My mentor reminded me: “When studying theology, we often come to know God in here (pointing to his head), but don’t forget to come to know God in here (pointing to his heart).” Knowing God in the heart involves drawing near to the Lord always, discerning His will, and personally experiencing the deep love of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ lived among people on earth, healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching the truth. Christ’s incarnation embodied His sacrificial love and self-denial, and He taught His disciples to deny themselves and follow Him. Being both the Son of God and the King of Heaven, Jesus willingly became a servant to serve people out of love, setting an example for us.

Learning the Love of God in Community

　　I thank God for letting me witness how my teachers, seminary staff, and fellow students live out His love in even the small details of daily life. While my wounds had not yet healed, they cleaned and dressed them for me. When I was physically limited and feeling lonely, they took the initiative to care for me, share with me, and pray for me. Upon learning that I could not lift my right arm, they offered me an external keyboard, helped me with my daily meals, and even went to the seminary canteen to pick up food for me. They looked not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others. Having the same mindset as Christ Jesus, they embody what it means to care for one another and inspire one another to love and good works. Their example reminds me that even the smallest opportunities to serve and love should be cherished and embraced.

　　Learning and serving are not mutually exclusive, nor are the different ways of knowing God. Studying at the seminary involves not only gaining a deeper intellectual understanding of God but also renewing our hearts, imitating the Lord, and coming to understand His love. In every moment, we learn before the Lord, and together as a community we learn from one another, living out His love in Christ. The Lord knows our needs and understands our hearts. May He help and renew us, drawing us closer to His heart.

　　“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35).

Pray Always and Do Not Lose Heart

　　When I first began my studies, I asked the senior students, “Studying theology takes a lot of time, and even then, we might not fully understand it. How can we balance ministry and caring for others without neglecting our family and friends, while still finding time to be still and pray and read the Bible?” They simply replied, “You just have to do it.” They appeared to offer no explanation, only a smile. Now I begin to understand what they meant. It is not that we are capable, but that we must strive to obey, trust the Lord who has called us, and entrust ourselves to Him. However, the most indispensable thing is prayer. The kneelers in the prayer room bear the inscriptions “Pray always” and “Do not lose heart” (Lk 18:1). Whether we pray quietly in solitude or intercede for one another as a community after listening to the Word together, both are indispensable to our lives as disciples.

　　May the Lord continue to guide us forward, and may the Holy Spirit help us at all times, so that we may pray for and watch over one another along the way, become faithful servants who please Him, and live out the life of Christ, who gave Himself out of love.