Suicide

<<self-murder>>

The deliberate taking of one’s own life is a very selfish act as it is rejecting God’s gift of life; it doesn’t stop the pain, it only transfers its devastating effects onto those who love the victim. Suicide is a long-term solution for a normally short-term problem. The Biblical view is that God gives and takes life so why die before your time, why not live out your intended life span? (Ps 139:16; Eccl 7:17). This is a serious sin and is never a good option for which the person involved obviously can’t ask forgiveness; however, it not the unpardonable sin, which is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:31,32).

The pressure to measure up or the disgrace of failure can be overwhelming at times. Contrast the difference between Peter and Judas who both let the Lord down. Peter repented, later his relationship with Jesus was re-established and he became instrumental in the early church (Jn 18:17,25-27, 21:15-19; Act 2:14-40). Judas however reacted differently to his guilt. He realised he had done wrong but did not seek to put things right with Jesus (the origin of his predicament) in spite of his remorse. When his action to resolve the situation with his co-conspirators was rejected, he took his own life and so forfeited any chance of resolving the situation with Jesus (Mt 26:47-50, 27:3-5).

Those plagued by severe depression and thoughts such as ‘I am not coping…life is not worth living…I’d be better off dead’ should seek qualified Christian counselling. Take seriously the hint of someone contemplating suicide as to them it may seem the only alternative to the emotional pain

Seek help in handling major personal distress in your life

they are experiencing or a cry for help because of depression or some physical problem. Proper medical treatment may alleviate the suicidal thoughts and return the person to healthy thinking, provide hope and purpose as will be talking things over with others and engaging in wholesome physical activities. Seldom are things as bad as Satan would have us believe for he comes to steal, kill and destroy but Christ comes to give life abundantly (Jn 10:10). Why side with the devil in your last action this side of eternity? Jesus said He would never leave us and the trials we go through are designed to make us strong in our faith, rather than being a reason to destroy our life (Heb 13:5).

Try to keep things in perspective – the present situation, which seems huge now, will take on a smaller, more realistic proportion over time. Choosing life over convenience should drive us to a closer relationship with Him, having faith that “All things work out for good to them that love God” (Rom 8:28).

Think through the long-term effects of major decisions

Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted – give Him the opportunity to mend yours (Ps 147:3; Isa 61:1; Lk 4:18). We have been entrusted with life, so use it wisely for good. Do not have the mistaken belief that life is yours to do with as you please. If Job had taken his life when his world collapsed, he would have missed out on blessing others and experiencing greater blessings in his later life than he had known before (Job 42:10-16). Focus on who stands with you (Jesus), not a situation that seems be against you, for in response to the question, “What can separate us from the love of God?” Paul emphatically replied, “Nothing” (Rom 8:35-39).

The Bible says that we should love God with all our being (Mk 12:30). Spiritual suicide begins with neglecting our relationship with God, leading to rejecting the clear instruction of the Bible, the inner conviction of the Holy Spirit and the counsel of mature Christians, rebelling and stubbornly walking away from God and into apostasy. Being ‘unequally yoked’ in marriage to an unbeliever, is one such example. Although later it is often deeply regretted, the heartache and consequences remain for all time, as they do for all unwise choices (2 Cor 6:14).