Zhao Lab - Faith & Values

Faith & Values

My Christian faith is an important part of my personal life and has shaped the values I seek to bring to my teaching, mentoring, and relationships with others.

Why I Believe

For those who are interested, I have shared the personal story of why I believe in Jesus and how faith has influenced my life and work. Read My Story.

Verses That Inspire Me

Several biblical passages have been lasting sources of inspiration, encouragement, and reflection in my life. They have also influenced the values that guide my teaching and mentorship, including love, patience, humility, perseverance, kindness, and service to others.

The passages below are especially meaningful to me. The reflections and significance I draw from them are personal and do not necessarily represent the views of Clemson University, the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, or the University in any official capacity. The Zhao Lab welcomes students and collaborators from all backgrounds, including people of all faiths and of no faith.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

― Galatians 5:22-23

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

― 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

― 1 Corinthians 8:1

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.

― Isaiah 30:15

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

― 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

― Matthew 11:28-30