Lessons on Love and Faith: A Teacher’s Guide to Relationships
They teach us formulas, language, and history; but sometimes the lessons that linger the most are about love. Long before they became mentors to us, our teachers were figuring out life, faith, and the often-complicated journey of love.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s shine the spotlight on the love story of two teachers from our school and how faith shaped the way they love. From meet-cutes to heartfelt advice, their stories offer guidance for students learning to navigate love, whether romantic, platonic, or familial. So grab some chocolates, take a seat, and write this one down—because on the most romantic day of the year, class is in session, and love is the lesson.
Mrs. Kristine Zurbano, now in her ninth year of teaching English language and literature at MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA), didn’t expect her love story to begin with a random “too pogi” guy on one knee with a fake ring. It was February 2012, and she had volunteered to act in a youth ministry promotional video about love and relationships. Initially, the script did not even include a love interest, but that changed when a churchmate was brought in to play the role. In one memorable scene, his character knelt down and pretended to propose to her, a moment where she unexpectedly felt a clear impression from God. This makes her story a quiet testimony of godly love; it didn’t start with a grand plan or a perfect setup, but with God gently guiding two people together in His timing. More than romance and feelings, it reflects the kind of love that encourages both individuals to grow into faithful men and women of God.
Now, seven and a half years into marriage and blessed with a little girl, Mrs. Zurbano’s love story has grown from a scripted moment into a real-life commitment shaped by faith. Her experiences helped shape her understanding of godly love: “daily denying yourself and taking up the cross” in marriage while choosing to see your spouse through Christ’s lens of grace and forgiveness. She grounds her belief in Philippians 2:3-5, which reminds believers to act with humility and value others above themselves. For her, love means adjusting expectations, communicating with patience, and forgiving again and again, just as our perfect God does for us.
For our next teacher, love also began in God’s house—not with a script, but with a budding friendship that patiently grew according to the Lord’s timing. Mrs. Darlyn Villanueva, who has been teaching Filipino at MGCNLCA for 12 years, met her husband at a high school fellowship. Although they studied in the same school, it was their shared involvement in church that allowed their friendship to grow. Because romantic relationships among the youth were discouraged in their church, they chose to wait patiently for one another. For eight years, they remained faithful friends, quietly encouraging one another and trusting God’s timing. Then, in August three years ago, that long season of waiting turned into a promise fulfilled as the sweet couple tied the knot. And even more amazingly, they’re now preparing to welcome a precious baby this year! Through it all, she holds on to the truth that love is a decision and not simply an emotion that shifts with circumstances. She also stresses the importance of waiting, seeking God’s will when navigating relationships, and following God’s timeline for us.
At the heart of their stories, Mrs. Zurbano and Mrs. Villanueva show that the strongest, most romantic love stories are not built on perfect timing or perfect circumstances, but on a firm foundation of faith. When Christ is at the center of their lives, love becomes deeper than puppy love or a fairytale; it becomes faithful and devoted, shaping both people to grow more in Christ.
Nowadays, society often idealizes romantic relationships with the narrative that they must be pursued at an early age. However, we must remember that true love is not just about gushy feelings but a decision to continuously forgive, respect, and journey with someone, placing God in the center of the relationship. So, rather than rushing for your own romantic love story, consider reflecting first on your motivations in light of God’s Word. While waiting, trust that God knows when you’ll be ready for that special someone, and let Him be the one to place the right relationship into your life in His perfect timing. Valentine sparks can happen in a fleeting moment, but God plans love with meaning. If it’s meant for you, it won’t have to be rushed—only time, prayer, and patience will tell.
