What does the Bible say about suicide?
A Biblical Perspective on Suicide: Hope and Healing in Christ
Suicide is a tragic reality in our fallen world. The fact that individuals can reach such depths of despair that they believe ending their lives is the best option is heartbreaking. For those who lose a loved one to suicide, the grief is unique and deeply painful, often accompanied by questions about God, eternity, and the nature of human suffering. However, the Bible provides hope and encouragement—both for those contemplating suicide and for those grieving the loss of someone to suicide.
Hope for Those Who Are Desperate
If you are contemplating suicide, please know this: there is hope in Christ. You are not alone, and God offers comfort, purpose, and healing even in the darkest times. The Bible is filled with examples of godly individuals who faced despair:
Solomon: Despite his immense wisdom and wealth, Solomon confessed,
Ecclesiastes 2:17: “Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind.”
Yet, Solomon ultimately recognized the true purpose of life:
Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.”
Elijah: Overwhelmed with fear and depression after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah prayed for death:
1 Kings 19:4: “But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’”
God, in His mercy, provided Elijah with rest, sustenance, and a renewed mission (1 Kings 19:5–8).
Jonah: Angry and frustrated with God’s mercy toward Nineveh, Jonah wished for death:
Jonah 4:8: “And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, ‘It is better for me to die than to live.’”
God gently rebuked Jonah, teaching him about divine compassion and sovereignty (Jonah 4:9–11).
Paul: The apostle Paul, along with his companions, experienced despair so profound that they felt they could not endure life itself:
2 Corinthians 1:8: “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.”
Yet Paul trusted in God’s deliverance and used his trials to deepen his reliance on the Lord:2 Corinthians 1:9: “Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.”
Turning to God for Comfort and Strength
For those struggling with despair, the Bible offers hope and assurance:
God’s Comfort Is Available:
2 Corinthians 1:3–5: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”
God offers comfort through His Word, His Spirit, and the community of believers.
Christ’s Compassion and Empathy:
Hebrews 4:15–16: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Jesus understands your struggles and invites you to approach Him for help and grace.
Our Adoption as God’s Children:
Romans 8:15–17: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
As God’s children, we have access to His love, care, and provision.
Encouragement from the Church:
Believers are called to support one another:Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Hebrews 10:24–25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Reach out to trusted Christian friends, pastors, or counselors for prayer, encouragement, and guidance.
A Theological Perspective on Suicide
From a biblical standpoint, suicide is a sin because it violates God’s sovereignty over life and death:
Psalm 31:15: “My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.”
Job 1:21: “And he said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’”
However, the Bible also teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works:
Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
A person’s eternal destiny is determined by their relationship with Jesus Christ, not by the manner of their death. Those who have trusted in Christ are fully forgiven of all sin and have the assurance of eternal life:
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Hope for Those Grieving a Loved One’s Suicide
For those mourning the loss of someone to suicide, the Bible offers comfort:
1 Peter 5:6–7: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
Grieving loved ones can find solace in God’s sovereignty and compassion, trusting that His purposes are ultimately good and just.
Practical Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, seek help immediately. In the United States, call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). These resources are available 24/7 to provide support and guidance.
Additionally, reach out to a trusted pastor, counselor, or medical professional. God has provided resources and people to help bear your burdens.
Conclusion
Life is a precious gift from God, and He alone determines our days. In Christ, there is hope, comfort, and strength to face life’s challenges. Turn to Him in prayer, trust in His promises, and allow His grace to sustain you. No matter how dark the moment, God’s love is greater still, and He offers abundant life in Jesus Christ
