In our fractured world, the somber reality of suicide casts a distressing shadow. Witnessing individuals descend into such depths of despair that they contemplate ending their own lives is a heart-wrenching experience. The aftermath of losing a loved one to suicide brings forth a unique kind of grief, accompanied by a myriad of questions.
Yet, amidst this painful journey, the Bible extends a beacon of hope to both those contemplating suicide and those grappling with the aftermath of a loved one’s self-inflicted death.
To those feeling desperate, it is crucial to recognize that ending one’s life is not the optimal solution. In Christ, there exists a reservoir of hope, and you are not alone in your struggles.
The Bible recounts stories of individuals facing profound despair Solomon, who, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached a point of despising life; Elijah, gripped by fear and depression, yearning for death; Jonah, so angry with God that he wished for his demise; and even the apostle Paul, who, along with his companions, felt the weight of despair beyond endurance.
What does the Bible say about suicide
Solomon’s Experience: “So I hated life because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2:17, NIV)
Elijah’s Despair: “He came to a broom bush, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'” (1 Kings 19:4, NIV)
Jonah’s Anguish: “And when the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, ‘It is better for me to die than to live.'” (Jonah 4:8, ESV)
Paul’s Desperation: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” (2 Corinthians 1:8, NIV)
Yet, each of these figures found a path to resilience. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments,” understanding it as the duty of all mankind. Elijah found comfort through an angel, rest, and a renewed purpose. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul discovered that reliance on God, who can raise the dead, was the key to enduring overwhelming pressure (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Solomon’s Resolution: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV)
Elijah’s Comfort: “All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.'” (1 Kings 19:5, NIV)
Jonah’s Rebuke: “But God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?’ ‘It is,’ he said. ‘And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.'” (Jonah 4:9, NIV)
Paul’s Revelation: “Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:9, NIV)
You, too, can turn to God. The apostle Paul celebrates, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,” affirming that God comforts us in our troubles so that we may, in turn, comfort others. If you have placed your trust in Jesus, you are a child of God, equipped with the indwelling Holy Spirit and continuous access to God through prayer.
Paul’s Celebration
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4, NIV)
Access to God Through Jesus
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:14–15, NIV)
Identity as God’s Children: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:15–17, NIV)
Cling to the promises of God, engage in prayer, seek support from fellow believers, and allow them to share in your burdens. The theological perspective underscores that God, as the Creator, holds the authority over life and death, echoing the psalmist’s words, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15).
For those mourning the loss of a loved one to suicide, the sovereignty of God and the assurance that each person’s days are in His hands provide a source of comfort. Grieving individuals can bring their questions and sorrow to God, inviting fellow believers to join them in mourning.
It is essential to acknowledge that suicide is a sin against God and others. However, it does not determine a person’s eternal destiny. Salvation hinges solely on God’s grace—those who trust in Jesus Christ are fully forgiven and receive eternal life.
Conclusion: What does the Bible say about suicide
Psalmist’s Acknowledgment: “My times are in your hands.” (Psalm 31:15, NIV)
Invitation to Bring Grief to God: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7, NIV)
Also Read: Taking Care Of Your Body Bible Verses (With Biblical Interpretations)