We have just started a new series on discovering exciting research
findings from Teleios! Our first evidence, presented over the last several
weeks, was that peer-reviewed and Teleios sponsored scientific studies support
improved wellbeing with Christianity in both healthy individuals and those
suffering with disease! A list of benefits is found on our home page of our
website (http://teleiosresearch.com/).
Today let us continue this exciting journey of the benefits of
scripture by exploring four specific markers for wellbeing in the medical
literature that also are noted in scripture: forgiveness, gratitude, hope and
empathy.1
This journey is important because God has
given us His wisdom to life and salvation through the scriptures for which we
can depend. Consequently, we have a bright light in our lives for which we can
have confidence over and above what is offered from society which scoffs at us.
We are right in what we believe.
Importantly, the articles in the medical
literature describing these four characteristics of wellbeing do not
necessarily mention religion, even while recognizing their importance to health.
But this is vital information for believers because these characteristics are actually
based in scripture, as part of the benefit of our Christian walk and spiritual
fruit from the Spirit. Therefore, the basis of these four characteristics
originate is scripture and the medical literature recognizes their importance. In
contrast, these concepts are not generally emphasized in Greek, humanistic or
atheistic traditions.
Accordingly, we reviewed
the effect of forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy in the medical literature and they
improve an individual’s wellbeing. These helpful effects:
· Were found from
pre-adolescent years to older adults.
· Demonstrated as a
positive influence among important societal issues including: social
relationships, delinquent behavior and physical health.
Although our review
focused on the effect of forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy on the
individual themselves and not the effect on a recipient, we might speculate that
any increase in wellbeing among the evaluated individuals allowed also for a
greater sense of personal benefit to others.
The source of the four
parameters (forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy) also were evaluated. The
results surprised us because only two primary sources were found in the
analyzed articles: training and religious faith.
· Training - We found 3 of the 4
parameters could be taught, at least to some degree, through secular based training.
Hope has not been evaluated in a such a manner to our knowledge.
· Religious faith - A person’s
individual faith or their involvement in a community of believers, appeared
positively associated with these 4 measures. How the measure was derived was
not always clear. Perhaps the parameters could have developed from:
o
The
knowledge obtained from the scriptures
o
Through
self-learning
o
Sermons
o
Through
interactions with church members
o
The
Holy Spirit building into us God’s character as we mature through His power
based on the Bible
The religion was not
typically specified in these reports; however, almost all the studies were
performed in predominantly Christian countries. Therefore, we assume that most
of the participants were either nominally or seriously practicing Christians.
Our review of the
medical literature suggests that forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy may
improve general wellbeing, pro-social and positive relational behavior and
demonstrate positive health effects. These measures are biblical principles
that are built into us when we live a faithful Christian life.
Please join me again next week as we continue to
review scientific data that supports our faith and helping us to have
confidence in the truth of the Bible.
WC Stewart
1. Stewart WC,
Reynolds KE, Jones LJ, Stewart JA, Nelson LA. The source and impact of specific
parameters that enhance well-being in daily life. J Rel Health
2016;55:1326-1335.
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