Biblical Metaphors for Corrective Emotional Relationships in Group Work

Abstract

Groups offer multiple opportunities for corrective emotional relationships that promote growth, healing and spiritual formation. The benefits of mutual exchange and emotional nurturance found in interpersonal support reflect human beings as imago dei with intentional fulfillment being found in the community of Jesus Christ. The construct of a corrective emotional relationship will be introduced in terms of the value and dynamics for healing as well as for spiritual refreshment and formation. Drawing on biblical metaphors from the Gospel of John, therelational benefits of interpersonal support are placed within a Christian framework. Group approaches offer specific advantages as a helping modality in Christian settings.