If suicidal thoughts come

“Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?” (Eccles. 7:17 ESV)

Suicide is terrible and wrong!

Today, I happened upon a list of celebrities who had died by suicide. Many of them had successful careers and everything to live for by the world’s standards, yet they chose to end it all by taking their lives. What a tragic loss!

Suicide affects people of all ages

Locally, we are still in shock over the death of a young student who committed suicide due to bullying at school. I want to emphasize that I personally understand that pain, as I was also a victim of severe bullying at school and experienced intense bouts of deep depression. I attempted suicide twice, failed, and was hospitalized. Looking back, it is difficult to believe I had ever been in such a state of mind. It has been over 60 years since then, but I can still remember my anguish and how everything looked so black at that time that I could not see past it. Therefore, I do know what it feels like to be on the dark side of this subject. I believe most choose suicide to escape some kind of pain, depression, illness, or other problem they cannot get past. Whatever the reason, suicide is never the right answer. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, so don’t do it!

Suicide in the Bible

The most famous instance of suicide in the Bible is that of Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Afterwards, he had profound remorse for what he had done. He gave the money back and then hung himself. We will never know what may have happened if he had repented and asked Jesus for forgiveness instead of killing himself. But sadly, he took matters into his hands, and that settled it for him. Another disciple, the Apostle Peter, had also betrayed Jesus and even denied Him three times. He swore and said he did not know Jesus. But Peter, unlike Judas, did not commit suicide. Jesus forgave him, and God then used him mightily. 

Therefore

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Cor.  3:16-27 ESV)

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.” (Psalms 34:17-20 ESV)

Quotes

“Take care of your life and the Lord will take care of your death.” - George Whitefield

“Let God have your life; He can do more with it than you can.” - Dwight L. Moody