Older adults who feel securely attached to God and have a sense of divine forgiveness experience increased optimism, higher self-esteem and greater life satisfaction, a recent study from Baylor University found.

Researchers polled more than 1,000 U.S. adults aged 65 and older who self-identified as current or former practicing Christians. Participants answered a variety of questions related to their relationship with God, their perceptions of forgiveness and their psychological well-being.

Those who reported having a close relationship with God and sensing His nearness in their everyday lives demonstrated increased optimism and higher self-esteem. Those who felt both securely attached and forgiven demonstrated the highest levels of emotional health.

To assess their nearness to God, participants were asked to respond to six questions, including, “I have a close personal relationship with God,” and, “I feel that God is right here with me in everyday life.”

Those who felt distant from God while recognizing a need for forgiveness demonstrated a loss in psychological well-being.

To gauge factors such as optimism, self-esteem and overall psychological well-being, researchers asked respondents to rate their level of agreement with statements such as, “In uncertain times, I usually expect the best,” and, “I feel I have a number of good qualities.”

Those who felt distant from God while recognizing a need for forgiveness demonstrated a loss in psychological well-being.

 “This study should be relevant to older religious Americans as well as their pastors, families and friends,” wrote lead author Blake Victor Kent. “It highlights that beliefs about forgiveness and perceptions of relationship with God go hand in hand. This is not just about religious practice, such as attending religious services or praying, which a lot of research already addresses. This deals with how people perceive their quality of relationship to God.”

Of course, none of this should come as a surprise to students of God’s Word. After all, Psalm 32 declares, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit… Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (verses 1–2,11).