The theology of relational care (which also could be called relational care theology) refers to a theology of understanding how contemporary followers of Jesus can relate to others, especially those who are poor, marginalized, or considered to be outcasts from mainstream society.[1]
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The theology of relational care emphasizes Christians engaging, validating, and loving marginalized persons through genuine, intentional interactions. Such interactions include establishing relationships, participating in meaningful conversations, and building trust. It emphasizes that Christians actively build relationships with others so as to bridge the chasm between persons in the mainstream and those who have become disenfranchised from the mainstream. It also emphasizes that God has a special concern for the poor[2][3] and proposes that social capital for marginalized persons is increased while emotional and spiritual support is offered to them. An important tenet of the theology of relational care is reciprocity—that the relationship is mutually enriching for both parties. The theology of relational care stresses relational justice, the idea that human beings have an inalienable right to be in relationship with other human beings.[4][5]
The theology of relational care is rooted in Jesus’ injunction that people love their neighbors, and is modeled from Jesus’ earthly practice of, and teachings about, relational ministry.[6] For example, in Jesus’ ministry, he was intentional about spending time with those who were marginalized. And in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus commended the person who cared for the one who had been overlooked by others.[7]