Research Studies on the Benefits of Having a Strong Support System
Having a strong support system is essential for everyone, and research has shown time and time again the numerous physical, emotional, mental, and social benefits it provides. Here’s a list of scientific studies that back up these positive effects:
1. Social Support Partially Protects Older People Against Cognitive Decline
This study published in Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences found that having strong social connections helped slow the cognitive decline in adults over the age of 65. The research concluded that “for older adults, support from family members, friends and other members of their social networks can partly protect against adverse consequences associated with aging.”
2. Greater Stress Resistance When Supported
Research published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals who have supportive relationships experience greater stress resistance than those without such ties. In particular, when faced with situations like experiencing anxiety or depression during difficult times—supportive relationships can help ease the burden through providing comfort and security which is vital to successful stress management.
3. Improved Self Esteem With Friendships
A study conducted by Harvard Medical School confirmed that having close friendships helps to boost self esteem significantly among adults over 40 years old. Through analyzing survey results from participants it was found that those who identified as having less than 5 close friends suffered from decreased self confidence while those with 6+ close friendships reported higher levels overall esteem levels.
4. Fewer Physical Ailments When Supported
Research published in Health Psychology revealed that having supportive relationships between family members were linked to fewer physical problems compared to individuals without them this type of bond present in their life. These issues included lower rates of cardiovascular disease as well as decreases in perceived feelings of psychological distress—further verifying this connection to overall well-being improvement genuinely exists!
5. Boosted Mental Wellness With Positive Connections
Finally, a recent study performed by Oxford University concluded that being surrounded by positive relationships helps maintain an improved mental health state overall! Specifically, when we spend our time with people who are there for us during trying times as well as provide us love & support we can reduce symptoms related to issues like depression or anxiety more effectively than if we tried alone—showing just how beneficial having strong social ties really is when it comes down to protecting our mental well-being!
A Prayer of Salvation with Scriptures
The Bible offers us the assurance that anyone who turns to the Lord in faith can be saved. Here is a prayer of salvation that you can use:
Lord, I am a sinner and I need your forgiveness. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. I confess that Jesus is Lord and ask You to forgive me and come into my life. As I repent, help me to turn from my old ways and follow You from this day forward. Fill me with Your love and peace as I walk with You forevermore. Amen.
Here are some scriptures to accompany your prayer:
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 10:9-10 – “‘If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
What Does it Mean to be Born Again
To be born again involves two distinct components – both an inward spiritual experience, as well as outward expressions of faith. In general, it is believed that one must accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior before one can be “born again”. By doing so, believers are said to receive the Holy Spirit into their lives, and are saved from eternal death through forgiveness of sin.
Experience a joy and peace
When someone experiences being born again they will typically experience a joy and peace previously unknown to them. This sense of joy is accompanied by a strong belief in God and the teachings of Jesus — regardless of what religion they previously identified with. This feeling comes from an awareness that their old self has been put away with all its shortcomings and imperfections, replaced by something infinitely better; a new life in Christ.
Grace must be accepted
This type of conversion requires change on both sides – God’s grace must be accepted if salvation is to take place. In turn, those who experience being born again must follow the teachings of Christ; living according to His ways, repenting for all sins past and present and recognizing Him as Lord over our lives — regardless of obstacles or tribulations we may face along the way.
At its core, being born again means becoming part of something larger than ourselves — connecting with a divine plan that offers hope for eternity instead of just our short time here on earth. Through repentance for sins and believing in Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, believers experience new life through faith in Him and ultimately have eternal life guaranteed through His resurrection from the dead.
Life and our purpose here on Earth
Being Born Again means entering into an entirely different way of thinking about life and our purpose here on Earth. Through faith in Jesus we can have access to salvation rather than living without assurance or security — thus experiencing true freedom instead of bondage due to sin throughout our lifetime until death. We can find solace that through Him we can have assurance despite whatever difficulties arise during our journey towards eternity; ultimately finding peace knowing we are loved unconditionally no matter what happens here on this planet during our stay here for such a short period compared to forever in eternity with Him who created us all – Amen!