Suicide: A Biblical Perspective

Taking one’s own life can seem like the only escape from unbearable pain, yet the Bible presents life as God’s precious gift. This article looks at what Scripture says about suicide, the contrast between despair and hope, and where real help can be found in deep personal distress.

A serious sin, but not the unpardonable sin

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 is 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).

Recognise the warning signs and seek help

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 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 talking things over with others and engaging in wholesome physical activities.

Seek help in handling major personal distress in your life

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).

Keep perspective and live out the life entrusted to you

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 to 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).

Just as important is what we allow to occupy our minds. Rather than dwelling on dark, hopeless or self-destructive thoughts, deliberately train your thinking towards wholesome, positive things: “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report… think on these things” (Phil 4:8). Filling the mind with Scripture, praise and thanksgiving starves despair of the attention it feeds on and strengthens faith instead of despair.

It is also important to have trusted, wise friends who can support and help you through the low points in your life, besides confiding in God — who knows it all anyway (Ps 139:1-4), but voicing our struggles is a good first step towards finding help and healing. Two are better than one, for if one falls the other will lift up his companion (Eccl 4:9-10); a friend loves at all times (Prov 17:17), and the heartfelt counsel of a friend brings refreshment in times of distress (Prov 27:9).

We are not meant to go through life alone

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).

Reflection and Application

Take seriously any hint that someone is contemplating suicide, and guide them towards qualified Christian counselling and proper medical help.
Keep present trials in perspective, trusting that God works all things out for good to those who love Him.
Focus on who stands with you (Jesus), not on a situation that seems to be against you.
Guard your relationship with God daily, refusing to neglect His Word, the Spirit’s conviction and the counsel of mature Christians.