WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SUICIDE AND WHAT IS THE WAY OUT?

Today I quickly want to talk about what the Bible say about suicide. What's suicide?

Suicide is the act of taking one's own life. It's a complex and serious issue, and it can be hard to understand why someone would choose to end their life. There are many risk factors for suicide, including mental illness, substance abuse, and life stressors like financial problems or relationship difficulties. Suicide is preventable, and it's important to be aware of the warning signs and to seek help for anyone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. 

I want to start by emphasizing that suicide is a serious issue, and if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it's important to seek professional help right away. With that said, here are some common warning signs that someone may be at risk for suicide:

Talking about suicide or expressing a desire to die.

Withdrawing from friends and family.

Changes in behavior, such as reckless behavior or excessive drinking.

Sudden changes in mood, such as becoming depressed or anxious.

Giving away prized possessions.

Preoccupation with death or violence.

Loss of interest in activities. 

I know this can be a lot to take in, but it's important to be aware of these warning signs. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You can call a crisis hotline or talk to a mental health professional. There's no shame in asking for help, and it could save a life. Is there anything I can do to help you with this information? 💙 You can also send me a message or mail me on adeyeramichaeloluwadamilre12@gmail.com.

When we're talking about suicide, it's a directly treated in the scripture but Bible say much about life. The Bible does not directly address the issue of suicide, but it does offer hope and comfort for those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide. One verse that is often referenced when discussing suicide is Psalm 139:13-16, which says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. 

The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4–6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armor-bearer—nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death (Judges 16:26–31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself.

The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is—self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15).

God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life.

Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jonah 4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).

However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).

So, according to the Bible, suicide is a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin—it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine a person's eternal destiny. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today (Psalm 67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

If you are considering suicide, please seek help now. Call 1-800-273-8255, the national hotline, get yourself to a hospital if you can, call 911, go alert someone in your home, apartment, or workplace, or wherever you are, and do whatever it takes to get help.

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

To Write Love on Her Arms: http://twloha.com/find-help

Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory

Suicide hotlines available in most countries: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html