Content Advisory: this article contains mentions of suicide. Discretion is advised for those who may be sensitive to this topic.
If you are in crisis and need immediate help, reach out to one of these mental health hotlines:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hotline: 1-800-950-NAMI
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 800-662-HELP
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741
-----
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States – even higher among adults between the ages of 25 and 34 (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). Chances are, you’ve been impacted by it in some way or another.
There is no shortage of information and resources about mental health, and specifically suicide. But did you know even the Bible contains stories, insights, and hope around the topic of suicide?
For followers of Christ, the Bible is a source of wisdom for a variety of situations – so let’s ask the question, “what does the Bible say about suicide?”
What does the Bible say about suicide?
The Bible contains tons of valuable insight for situations we face throughout our lives, but what we may not realize is that it doesn’t shy away from even the grittiest topics – including suicide. The truth is, the Bible contains stories of people who felt hopeless in life, and even those who took their own lives.
So what does it say about suicide in the Bible?
1. Suicide happened in the Bible
There are several accounts – probably more than you realize – of people who struggled with mental health, even to the point of taking their own lives. The stories of Samson (Judges 16:26-30), King Saul (1 Samuel 31:3-6), and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5) all end in suicide.
For each of these tragic stories, there are also those who experienced deep despair in their lives. Consider Job (Job 3:11), who lost everything he had – his family, his job, his assets. Or King David, who wrote many psalms expressing incredible anguish and hopelessness (Psalm 69).
One thing David and Job had in common was turning to God in prayer in the midst of their suffering. Solomon turned to God (Ecclesiastes 12:13), Elijah was comforted by God (1 Kings 19:5-6), and Jonah was corrected by God (Jonah 4:4). This serves as an important reminder to us: no matter how deep your sorrow, or how hopeless you feel, turning away from God is never the answer.
2. Suicide is the result of sin
The reality is that God’s good world was destroyed by sin. The only reason why someone would experience such desperation to the point of ending their life is because things are broken, and not as they should be.
God created you, and ultimately, God decides when you will live and die (Psalm 31:15; Job 1:21; Acts 17:26-27). Because of this, we have to see suicide as the result of the brokenness that sin created in the world, and ultimately a separation from God. However, like all other sin, we can be fully forgiven in Christ. Suicide is no worse in God’s eyes than any other sin, which also means it isn’t beyond God’s forgiveness and mercy. In fact, no such sin is unforgiveable through Jesus (Matthew 12:31; Ephesians 2:8-9).
This is specifically important to remember if you have a loved one who has attempted or has died by suicide. Their act, although extremely difficult to comprehend, does not determine their life after death. Their faith is still the determining factor (1 John 1:9).
3. Suicide halts God’s purpose for our lives
As we follow Jesus, we look forward to the moment Christ returns because when he does, all the frustration, hopelessness, and heartache we experience in life will cease (Revelation 21:4). But this doesn't mean our lives on earth are meaningless. We can begin to live the eternal life of heaven today when we live we follow Jesus (John 17:3).
Because of this, we can trust that God has a plan for each one of us and is creating something beautiful with our lives (Ephesians 2:10). This includes both good and bad circumstances, as God weaves them together into the beautiful story of our lives (Romans 8:28). As long as we’re living, we carry out this purpose!
-----
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you’re not alone. Don‘t give up! We have mental health resources that can help. We'd also love to get you connected with a pastor or counselor, or simply pray with you.
-----
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!