Your life is one of the most precious gifts given by God. Without a shadow of a doubt, the chance to be alive and play one’s role in the grand scheme of God’s plan is nothing short of a privilege. However, there are times when the going gets tough that many people sometimes wish that they were not born, or even worse that they were dead. Some people linger in this dark place for far too long, and suicide seems like the most logical escape. While the topic of suicide is somewhat controversial, many people really want to know what stand Bible takes when it comes to suicide. Let’s find out below.
What Does The Bible Say About Suicide?
Let's be frank and face the truth, according to the bible, suicide – self-murder – may be considered a sin because humans have no right to take their own life.
"You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13)
So, according to the Sixth Commandment, killing oneself is undoubtedly considered a sin. Suicide not only is considered an act that goes counter to God, but also has its origin in the realm of the demonic host who, according to John10:10,"comes only to steal and kill and destroy".
"Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked will I return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." (Jacob 1:21)
Therefore God is the author of life and the discretion to take it lies solely with him. So suicide is a sin because only God has the right to take away life.
There are 7 suicides in Bible: Abimelech (Judges 9: 52-54), Samson (Judges 16:25-30), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Samuels sword bearer (I Samuel 31:5), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1Kings 16:15-20), Judas (Matthew 27:3-5). Although the Bible doesn't write any of them, except for Judas, in condemning manners and give special teachings about suicide, the infrequent appearance of suicide does indicate that suicide is something to be frowning upon.
Suicide Can Be Forgiven
When you ask "What does the Bible say about suicide?" you may also want to know if those committed suicide can be forgiven or not. Yes, God gives all of us mercy.
"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved, but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." (Mark 16:16)
According to this, murder and suicide are not considered unpardonable sins. In fact, the only unpardonable sin is considered rejecting the Holy Spirit.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
So, when we become children of God, we begin on a fresh slate and even when the sin comes after the pint of salvation, our sins stand forgiven.
“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (Psalm 103:11)
The Bible focuses more on mercy than on judgement and God judges us based on our whole life as opposed to a single action of suicide.
Hope, Rather Than Suicide, Is the Solution to Despair
"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Matthew 7:8)
The above scriptures highlight God’s view of issues even in the midst of problems. Despair and sufferings does not have to lead to suicide, but to guide us to put our trust in God. So, you should know that at times of despair God loves us more than ever.
Suicidal Signs to Watch Out
So, no matter what the answer to "What does the Bible say about suicide?" is, suicide is not the utmost solution. Suicide is tragedy not only because a precious life is lost, but also because the remaining family may suffer forever. No matter it is due to mental illness or physical illness that you suffer, you should always trust God and pray to God. The thoughtful family you get, the great doctor you meet and the caring from afar can all be God's responses to your pray (Genesis 24:12-16, Ezra 1:1-3, Acts 9:10-17). Read the following warning signs of suicide to know when to put more trust on God and get better control of your situation:
- When the person often talks things like "I'm a burn to my family", "why I'm trapped", "my pain is unbearable", "life is meaningless", "death may be not bad", etc.
- When the person changes behavior like alcohol, drug or other substance abuse, searching information about death, reckless or aggressive actions, retreating to his own world, saying farewell-like words to others, giving his precious things away, etc.
- When the person always feels indifferent about everything, depressed, anxious, resentful, irritable, etc.
Turn to the Saviors God Sends
Instead of seeking "What does the Bible say about suicide?" you should know that God cares about us all and will send saviors to us when we are in distress. So don't commit suicide, but turn to those who can help you to survive that dark period.
- If you or someone else feels like committing suicide, do make a phone call to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline via 1 (800) 273-8255 In United States. A trained, skilled and experienced counselor will help you to solve whatever problems you have all around the clock for 7 days a week.
- Turn to a therapist to talk and soothe that suicidal thought through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which trains people on how to distract themselves to other activities when suicidal thoughts attack, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps people in recognizing their feelings and actions as unhealthy and teaches how to better manage those upsetting moments.
- Never isolate yourself from trustworthy family and friends. They are the most reliable person you can count on when in despair. Just tell them what you think, feel and want, vent all you negative energies out and move on with them.
- Take your medication, read to yourself, pray to God, change to a more positive lifestyle, etc. to get inner peace.
If you think there is no other choice except suicide, watch the video to know that you really matters and suicide is not the right thing to do: