Suicide Is Never A Solution!

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According to the National Institute Of Mental Health statistics in 2001, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255). It was the eighth leading cause of death for males, and 19th leading cause of death for females. In this brief article, let us study why suicide is not a viable option for anyone and is condemned by God’s word.

1) Murder, whether self-inflicted or carried out by another person is condemned in the Bible (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20:13; cf. Matthew 19:18 ESV). Also note Exodus 21:12,14; Deuteronomy 5:17; Romans 1:29 ESV. Judas, one of the Lord’s apostles, committed suicide (Matthew 27:3,5), and the Bible clearly indicates that he died lost (John 17:12; cf. John 6:70,71).

2) Suicide ignores the greater option for victory over life’s problems, instead of giving in to them (Note the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:25-33). The best of the jailer’s life lay ahead! Note that Paul gave a command of God: “Do not harm yourself” (Acts 16:28).

3) Suicide violates the concept of the sanctity of human life as a gift from God (cf. Job 1:21; Ephesians 5:28-29). Christians are bought with a price; they are not their own; they are vessels used by God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Christians are to be an example of fortitude to others (1 Timothy 4:12-16). Suicide violates the will of God for us, that we continue in submission and service as He wills, not us. To God, our lives have “eternal” value (Matthew 16:26; Psalm 49:7-8).

4) Suicide ignores God’s promises of adequate, continuing providential care, to provide even when we may see no solution. In 2 Kings 7:3-4, we see that the lepers and others saw no solution, but God provided it (2 Kings 7:6-8). Elijah wanted to die (1 Kings 19:4), but God provided (1 Kings 19:5-8).

As God’s children, let us always remember that if we seek God’s kingdom first, “all of these things [necessities of life - Matthew 6:25] shall be provided” (Matthew 6:33). Paul tells us in Philippians 2:12-16 that God works in us. He did not say all things would be good, but "all things can work together for good" (Romans 8:28).

Dear reader, think about it! Suicide is never a solution! One may say, “I cannot go on – I’m going to end it all!” But it is not the end! We will continue to exist and must answer to God in eternity (2 Corinthians 5:10). The best way to end unbearable suffering and pain is to be faithful in submission and obedience to God (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10) and go to Heaven where these things will be absent (Revelation 7:14-17; Revelation 21:1-4).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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