SUICIDE

I am copying the answers from others verbatim. Some of the answers raised a lot of questions. The answering of the question caused many a person pain or renewed their past pain. I am in hopes that it will help others that view this page to ease their pain or show them a way out.

Please take in what each is saying. Read through the answer. Feel the pain. Know where they are coming from....it is important. The end of time is so near and the evil spirits of the world are so much more demanding, a lot of people that never considered suicide before will. As a times get harder more people will be "hunting a way out."

From Barbara:
Gail, First of all the Bible says we are not to commit murder...
Secondly we have to ask God to forgive us of our sins in order to be forgiven.
If we commit suicide we cannot ask for that forgiveness.
Also we are to trust God in ALL circumstances no matter what.
If we trust God, we will not commit suicide because we know that God will help us through it if we will let him.

From Lisa:
The Love For Children Webring
Well Gail I believe it is a sin and if the person dies they will go to hell. I don't think there is any forgiveness for taking your own life. The bible plainly says thou shalt not kill. I think that means your own life too.

From Donna Mae:
There is only 1 solution for guilt consciousness - forgiveness & cleansing (Job 15:20). The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, & the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
1 John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Self-murder only hastens judgment. "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12).
A correct relationship with Christ brings a new approach to living. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).
Get the sin-problem settled 1st, & then the trouble-problem can be settled.
(Matt. 6:33)But seek you 1st the kingdom of God, & his righteousness; & all these things shall be added unto you.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:1 THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (be in need).
Psalm 24:1 THE earth is the LORD'S, & the fullness thereof; the world, & they that dwell therein.
Psalm 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, & the cattle upon a thousand hills.
Psalm 84:11 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
1 Corinthians 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, & the fullness thereof.
Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, & keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar (special) treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

From Diana Gray Ministries:

Hello Gail...... Here is my Bible teaching on Suicide.

From Theresa:
I believe suicide is a sin. Why? Because our body is the TEMPLE OF GOD. If you commit suicide, you have desecrated the temple of our LIVING GOD. I know that people believe that God will forgive this sin but how? God will forgive those who are dying on their death bed, if they will be admit the are sinners, believe on Him and accept Him. How can a person do any of these things when they are taking their own lives????

Just my thoughts on the subject of suicide.

Love in Christ - Theresa

From Jean:
Hi, I just want to say some things about suicide. Yes I do believe it is a sin ..God gave us life and we are not to take it in any way or form..God is the only one that can take a life. I don't believe it is a forgiving thing but God forgives all...but how can He forgive if you take away what God has given to us. No circumstance ever makes a difference.. Life is to precious to take. nothing is worth takeing your life for..
I hope this helps with your survey. I dont mind if people see what I wrote.
Love Jean

From Amy:
My Personal view on suicide is that it is wrong, sinful, and an invitation to hell. When people are hurting or depressed the devil takes it upon himself to pick and pull and push just the wrong buttons. I believe it's a sin because, you have to truly repent ask forgiveness for your sins, but if you commit suicide how can you truly repent? How can you ask for forgiveness if your dead?; even if your spirit isn't dead your heart and mind is. God doesn't want any harm done to your body, especially purposely, and if you commit suicide then it just defiles His wants. I believe that if you try but do not succeed then God will be just and forgive but I don't believe that suicide itself can be forgiven. It doesn't make a difference what is going on in your life God says that He will always have an escape. He will not give you more that you can take. Therefore: how can it be justified? The devil just makes you think that you can't take it. Satan knows that he is going to lose in the end so the way he sees it is that he will take down as many as he can with him.

From Melanie:
Dearest Gail:
I didn't happen to get this.
I would love to answer this question.

1. If the person is wondering if it is a sin or not then it definitely is a sin if they are the one contmeplating it.

2. God does not condemn people who are physically sick and send them to hell and there are some mental illness that are a result of a physical or chemical imbalance, why would God condemn someone to hell if they are truly unaware of their actions and insane enough to committ suicide. I don't believe that this is the case generally but there are those rare occassions where people are not able to make a distinction/or a decision.

It would appear Solomon took his own life in anger...when he took down the temple and yet God saw it has a righteous anger.

I really truly believe this is rare for someone not to be cognitive enough to make a decision after they are saved when their mind is assaulted. Truly a person who is unsaved will go to hell, but God only knows what those last breaths are. I wouldn't risk if I were the person. I would truly risk rejection again to ask for help.
Love, Melanie

From Melanie:
I am not that strong Gail. I have to ask for help when I get afflicted. I have to ask people like you and others to pray for me. It is horrible to have to humble yourself. You most assuredly are allowed to put it on your page. I would just ask that you don't use my email or my last name okay?

If you want to refer someone to me that is okay by me...or if you want me to share with someone I will but boy I am getting a lot of things for extra responsiblity lately with [another prayer organization]...but I am more than glad to help in any way I can. Love you Gail.

From Jackie:
Hi. I read your site and I just want to add a few things.

One-- suicuide is NEVER a "victimless crime." One does not only kill themselves--they inflict untold of pain and agony upon their families and loved ones the REST of their lives........

Two-- As far as one bing ill or mentally ill, and not aware of their actions....I personally believe sucuide is promted ONLY from demonic activity.........and at one point in that persons life, they WERE aware and did make a choice to follow sin instead of Gods leading, and therefore they WILL be accountable.

As the boy who threw himself into the fire....Jesus cast the demon out of the boy, and he never did that again.

We all have "choices' Whether to live for God or to reject Him.......and we will answer to the results of our choices--in this life--and in eternity.

I have been in unbearbale pain many times in my life.....brain tumor, cancer, cirhossis of liver,etc......but I held on and God in His mercy healed me.

It was NOT worth risking my soul for eternity to "gamble" if God would forgive me at the last moment or not........NOTHING is worth that gamble.......

The Bible tells us to know to do good and do it not--is sin. I believe we all know deep in our hearts it is a sin to kill ourselves........but we allow satan to lie and decieve us.........and what we sow to the flesh, we will reap to the flesh........

I know no one knows what is in a persons heart but God...and it is possible that one may have a split second to repent after they have done the deed and before death....but it is so unlikely---I would not want to take that risk.....and God would KNOW if we really repented.......or if it had been "calculated' before the fact...........

This is a subject I have studied much--and prayed about much.
My dearest friend died in 1974. At first we were told it was sucuide...later we discovered it was murder.

My eldest son, almost died three years ago of a self-inflicted over dose.
Before I was saved, I tried a few times (not whole heartedely) to kill myself also. I can honestly say now, it definately was demonic influenced....

I do not believe anyone truly wants to die.....they just want the "pain" to stop, and they aren't willing to do what it takes sometimes to work through that pain, and make it better....whether physical or emotional. Most suicides are from emotions.
God Bless,
Jackie

From Pastor Mike:
Personally,I feel it's a sin if one takes their own life or someone elses. I do believe it depends on the state of mind at the act. I believe if the individual knows it's wrong, then it may lead to eternal darkness. My opinion of course~~

From Angela:
It is a sin and I don't think God forgives for this act.

From the Billy Graham Association..(thank you Bonnie for getting this)
Dear Friend,
<> Thank you for contacting us. We trust that we can be of help to you.

Suicide has been defined as the act of willfully causing one's own death in order to escape a condition of living that one feels is intolerable. The word "willfully" eliminates certain suicides, as in cases of mental illness or other cases where pathological difficulties prevent the individual from properly exercising the "will." Some individuals who have suffered mental illness and extreme stress have become suicidal. In that condition they are not fully responsible for their acts. Surely God will have tender compassion for those whose mental faculties become impaired or pressed beyond measure.

The Bible contains no precise statement about suicide. However, it does state commandments and principles that do speak to the problem. We believe that suicide is sin. The commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), applies since the one who commits suicide, in making himself the victim, still remains its subject. Suicide is the desire to dispose of self as self wills. It is therefore incompatible with the prerogatives of God in the Scriptures. In the true sense, individuals do not belong to themselves; all individuals belong to God. Ezekiel 18:4 says: "Behold, all souls are mine."

God alone, and rightly so, maintains the right of life and death. First Samuel 2:6 states: "The Lord kills and brings to life." One who commits suicide is always a desperate person who has lost hope. As such, he fails to see that God is the God of hope. Suicide is the choosing of death rather than life. Romans 6:23 says: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

We have remembered you in prayer. May you experience God's comfort and encouragement through the promises of His Word, through prayer, and through fellowship with other believers at your church.

Sincerely,
Len Olson
Christian Guidance Department
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

From Anonymous:
Hi Gail, My feelings on it are it is wrong to kill yourself no matter what because killing is a sin and what I feel a person is doing by killing themselves is being very selfish... basically saying I don't want to live anymore, I hurt, to heck with how it may make you feel, I hurt!! I have been very, very depressed before and had thought of it but could not ever do it because of what it would do to those left behind, I also be want to go to heaven when I die and be with Jesus and wouldn't want my last act to be a sin. My mother tried to kill herself once and I remember feeling so angry! I was shocked at myself for feeling that way but I did. If you use any of this on your page hon please leave my name off because I have wonderful friends who have lost people to this and wouldn't want to hurt anyone. I hope this helps.

From Leslie:
Greetings Elder Gail:

Apologies for the delay in replying regarding your seeking opinions in the issue of "Suicide from a Christian perspective". I have been trying to gather together some thoughts on this issue, which in my own case has been an "issue", as I have had to consider & address this throughout my last 20 years walking with Christ.

I say this because whilst an acredited "prison visitor" in New Zealand for seven years, it was an issue that was always coming to the fore, due to suicide cases being unfortunately quite prevalent in the Maximum Security Prison that I visited regularly (sometimes several times each week). (It would obviously at times become the topic of discussion & debate in the Chapel meetings).

Also during this same period, (late 1980's). the Mother of a close friend sadly took her own life. This latter case is one I feel worth relating to here....

In this particular instance the sister who took her own life was herself a born-again, spirit filled Christian who had actually given up her home, along with her husband to become a full-time missionary & had completed her training in this regard. Sadly, shortly after returning from this training period she became struck down with M.E./C.F.S., ( the same problem my wife Marianne has had for the last five years). At this time in N.Z. the medical fraternity did NOT recognise this illness & in the case of this dear sister, they gave her very little help, treatment or assistance. Similarly the local church that she attended did not demonstrate very much compassion or sympathy either, almost agreeing perhaps with the Doctors to some extent, i.e. that her problems were "imaginary"!!!!!!!

I would point out at this stage that only a short time before this sister took her life I spoke to her "at length" on the telephone & was able to hear first hand the sort of problems that she had been enduring. She asked me for help & advice regarding "alternative therapies & treatment etc....... & she was clearly in a desperate situation at this time. However, as I say the outcome was that she did take her own life, as the despair of trying to cope with chronic illness & being offered no hope of cure or support just overwhelmed her!

This tragic case certainly impacted me & affected my own "moral perspective" on the issue of suicide in relationship to the Christian Faith.
So IMHO............in reponse to your questions:

Is it a sin?..& why? Yes it is a sin, i.e Thou shalt NOT kill etc.
Does God forgive the act? Yes, I believe that only God knows the depth of sorrow & heartache & pain the someone has endured & will ultimately have compassion upon their souls. (I do not know of any scripture that says that a suicide will most definitely go to hell, for example)

Does the person's circumstances make a difference? Yes, as in the above, ONLY God knows the suffering of the individual.
Is there ever justification for it? NO, whilst in a perfect world it can NEVER be justified, the foregoing testimony talks of the "imperfections" & "failings"of those whom the sufferer was relying upon for support & was let down terribly. That does not "justify" the act of suicide, but it does "explain" the circumstances the brought it about.

I do hope these comments are of use to you in this regard Sister Gail. I have also done some research on the internet to find various Christian viewpoints on this issue also. The URL's are listed below, with a short description, if you feel lead to check them out.

May He continue to bless & prosper the works of your hands dear Sister!
Yours in His Service & Love, Leslie

Blessed Hope Ministries - International

P.S. URL's to follow.....

Catholic Encyclopedia

From the Five-Fold Ministry Site Suicide

Yahoo Group offering support in respect of suicide

Study on Sauls suicide with interesting reference also to John Bunyans "Pilgrims Progress"

A good sermon on the subject of suicide

An article suggesting that "martyrdom" is a form of suicide
A very special thank you to my friend, Leslie, for all your information and for the research provided. May God truly bless you. You are one of His special Saints! Gail

From Darrel:
Suicide, the taking ones own life, Self murder if you will, one of the Ten commandments speaks against it. And is widely recogized as a sin. All sin is or can be forgiven if you ask God to forgive you and while there is life there is hope. But how can you ask for forgiveness if you're dead. I would not recomend it to any one as a way out of your pain or troubles. It's more complicated than many think. When I preach a funeral of someone who has commited suicide...I do not know their condition, whether they had time to repent or not, so I leave them in the hands of a just God. But I could not assure those left behind that they were better off, because I just don't know. In a situation of mental illness God understands and is just. I personally believe they would be as a child who doesn't know any better and would be saved if they were saved while in their right mind. If they rejected Jesus while they had time and the opportunity then went crazy and killed themselves they would be lost just as someone who rejected Jesus as their personal Saviour and died without Christ.

From Danna:
SUICIDE........
SUCH AN EASY WAY OUT.....
SUCH AN EASY WAY IN......
EASY WAY INTO THE KINDGDOM OF HELL......
ITS A SURE TICKET........ ONE WAY TICKET .......
IT SADDENS MY HEART TO THINK ANYONE WOULD CHOOSE TO SPEND ETERNITY IN HELL WHEN GOD HAS SUCH A PLAN FOR YOU IF ONLY YOU WOULD OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND LISTEN.
SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND ....... GOD NEVER SAID IT WOULD BE EASY, BUT PLEASE, I AM BEGGING YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART TO NEVER GIVE UP...... NEVER GIVE IN AND LET SATAN WIN YOU OVER......... PRAISE GOD IN ALL HIS GLORY AS HE IS WAITING FOR YOU TO SEEK HIM..... HE AWAITS YOU TO REACH OUT....... ITS SO EASY TO ASK HIM INTO YOUR HEART....... THEN "DEVIL BEGONE, GET BEHIND ME DEVIL IN THE PRECIOUS NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, I COMMAND YOU TO BE GONE"....... AND THEN SIGH!!! OH WHAT RELIEF TO KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND WHAT JOY YOUR FUTURE NOW HOLDS......... KEEP YOUR CHIN UP BECAUSE GOD HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOU TO DO...... BE PATIENT MY FRIEND ........ EMAIL ME EMAIL ME OR ANYONE OF MY FRIENDS AND WE CAN TELL YOU "BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, GOT THE T-SHIRT"!!! LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT........ BURNING IN HELL OR WALKING WITH CHRIST!!! YOU DECIDE!!!

LOVE AND BLESSINGS, DANNA, Just a MOM from Florida!

From Pat:
Dear Gail. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you before. It's just that this is a sorry subject for me. My brother and father each took their lives and my opinion would no doubt be biased in that I know where I want them to be. Both were active in the church. It makes me sad to think that they wouldn't be with my Lord above. I hope they are. Love & blessings, Pat xoxox

From Brenda:
Gail, You know how I feel about it. Nothing you can go through on this earth is as bad as being in hell. You have Jesus to help you through what ever you are going through here. He can't help you in Hell! If you kill yourself then you will go to hell and this is what I believe. You can't ask for forgiveness for a sin you have not done. I can say forgive me Lord I am going to commit adultry. But am I forgiven after I commit adultry or do I need forgiveness then. I never believed Judus went to hell for betraying Jesus. We all do that. I believe he went to hell for killing himself. This is the way I believe! There is some that believe different but who would want to chance it to find out. Would it be worth the chance you could go to hell. I have lived in my car, stealing food to feed my kids. I couldn't even go in my parents house and then they took my kids. You can't go any lower then that but God brought me out of that because He loves me. I raised my kids and living in the streets is like a old memory or dream. If I had killed myself then I would never have known just what He is really all about.

From Prayer Opportunity:
Answer things like...is it a sin? Why?
Yes. It Breaks God's Law, "Thou shall not murder."
Does God forgive the act?
Yes. For those trusting in Christ's complete work on the Cross. He died for our sins: past, present, future.
Does the person's circumstances make a difference?
Yes. God judges based on the Light each of us has been given
Is there ever justification for it?
There is never justification for sin.

From Anonymous:
Hi Gail,
I am sorry I cannot give you a legitimate answer on suicide or the results thereof. I have had family that committed suicide and I would like to say that God forgives and allows them into Heaven but I don't know. One cousin in particular (I was very close to him) committed suicide and I have consoled myself over the years thinking that maybe he asked for forgiveness in the last minutes but again I don't know. I am sorry that I can't help.

Dear Gail,
You know, I really don't have much on this subject...Praise the Lord I never had to deal with it with any one close to me...I suppose if I did, I would have a lot more input.
I do not believe, however, that everyone who commits suicide is doomed to hell as some do. We can never judge that, only God knows their heart and mind and what caused that final reaction to whatever brought them to that point.
I pray for any family member that has to deal with that in a loved one's life, it must be awfully tough to wonder, "what if?"
I hope your study helps you find the answers you are looking for, and sorry for not replying sooner, I just don't have much experience with the subject, thank God!

God bless, Joanne <><

From Ernie:
Beloved Gail:

First of all I believe that it is a sin because it goes against scripture and God tells us that He alone is the giver and taker of life.

Does God forgive the act? My personal feeling is that if you are really saved and then get into a situation where you commit suicide, you are not in your right mind and therefore God will forgive you and will permit you entrance to His Heaven. After all, Jesus died for all of our sins, past, present and future. Even if your last act on this earth is one of sin, I do not believe that will change your ultimate destination.

I believe that the person's circumstances make a difference only in the fact that at the time of suicide, they are not in their right mind. Just as someone who is a child or mentally challenged will not be prevented from Heaven, neither will someone who has lost their mind. The evil one can do all he wants but Jesus said "Father, I have lost none of them that You have given me"! That means that each of us who have accepted Him as our Saviour are secure and sealed and nothing the evil one does can change that if the salvation is real!

I do not believe there ever is justification for suicide; no amount of pain, nothing! Life and death are God's domain and we have no right to play God, with our own lives or with anyone else's life.

I've probably given you a whole lot more than you wanted but I hope it helps. Blessings on you and yours, my Sister-in-Christ!

Love,Ernie, Matthew 20:26-27

"GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME !"

Good morning:

My name is Rev. Kathleen Bailey and I have a ministry of healing. One of the first things I would suggest is that you line up prayer warriors to cover you. Ask two or three for starters to commit to praying for you daily. Then I would suggest that you call 1-800-683-3024 This is the Chales and Frances Hunter Ministry and ask for the book How to heal the sick hand book. There is a portion on suicide there.

I pray for you right now in Jesus name. That this one dear Father would listen to the voice of Your Holy Spirit and the Leading as she steps into this ministry. I pray for a double anointing of the Holy Spirit and that she would be open to Your leading in every area of her life. Give her advise from Your throneroom and bless her endeavors for you as she comes against this spirit of suicide and death. Teach her spiritual warfare as she opens this door. I ask this all In Jesus name amen.

The Bailey's - John and Kathy
Rev. Kathleen Bailey

Serving The Lord Ministries

Gail:

Regarding the paper on suicide that you're writing, the Christian site "Grace To You" has a tape on it. The title is called "Court and Clergy Malpractice" Parts 1 and 2. They are $6 each and may be purchased over the phone with a Visa or Master Card. I don't know if you would be interested or not, but thought I would let you know. Their website is

Contact: Grace To You Customer Service 1-800-55-GRACE

From Lee:
Gail I will try and answer some of your questions regarding suicide. My grandson commited suicide in 1995. Suicide to me is one of the worlds worst forms of death. Yes I do believe it is a sin, but look at all the people in the Bible who commited suicide. I believe that our Lord is a merciful God and I believe they do go to heaven in a special place. I like to believe that my grandson is sleeping with the angels. I know you are not supposed to kill your self, but God does forgive us for our sins. There is never any justifcation for it. The circumstances does make a difference. I believe they were all fighting some kind of a battle, some win that battle and some do not. My grandson had been in and out of rehab. The day he commited suicide he called the rehab center for help that morning and they told him that they could not see him till that night. By then it was to late--he shot himself at 12:40 that afternoon. I believe if they had seen my grandson maybe he would be alive today. It is so hard on the family, you keep asking yourself what could I have done to prevent it. We have asked that question a million times. Bobby was just a wonderful human being and we love him with all our heart. We just do not understand why it happened like it did. I know we will never stop crying or shedding tears over the empty spot he has left in our lifes. Some days it gets real bad, even though it will soon be 7 years. There is a hurt there that you never get over, you wonder what their life would be like now, would they be married and have children of there own, you just wonder about all that. I know I will never have any great grandchildren by him. I will never stop loving him, he will always be in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. And we'll love him forever. I do not know if this will help any . Love and Prayers, Lee

See His Website

Do Guardian Angels Protect Us? Even While We Entertain Thoughts of Suicide?

Now I would like to present a writing from Bishop Leslie "Mary" Trombly

in her Words of Inspiration--"What the Bible says about Suicide."

Question: What does the Bible say about suicide?

"Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father's tomb." 2 Samuel 17:23

Is suicide the unpardonable sin, or does God forgive suicide? These questions have troubled the hearts of those who struggle with the temptation to end their lives and those who are left behind when a friend or family member chooses to take his or her life. As we look at this most sensitive subject that exposes our most intimate thoughts and feelings, we realize that the subject of suicide affects those who do not profess to know Christ as Savior and many believers as well.

Although the word suicide is never used in the Bible, there are several direct references to people killing themselves, and by definition, that is suicide. In 1 Kings 16:18, there is reference to Zimri, who reigned for a few days over Israel and then died in a fire that he started in his home. He was about to be overthrown and could not cope with defeat. Abimelech, the son of Jerubbaal, committed assisted suicide (Judges 9:53-54) rather than have it said that he died at the hands of a woman. Saul fell on his sword after losing a battle against the Philistines. When his armorbearer saw that Saul had killed himself, he followed in like manner (1 Samuel 31:4-5; 1 Chronicles 10:4-5). When he stopped allowing God to direct his life, Samson lost his unbelievable strength and suffered humiliation at the hands of the Philistines. Unable to tolerate the ridicule and the reality of his failure, in one final act of strength, Samson pulled the pillars down on himself and thousands of his captors (Judges 16:25-30).

The inability to cope with failure. The inability to deal with relationships. The perceived loss of position or status. The unbearable pain of humiliation and a meaningless life. These were some of the reasons given for those who committed suicide during biblical times. A closer examination of the alarming number of suicides today reveals five motivating factors: (1) a cause that a person is committed to; (2) a pact between two or more people; (3) feelings of meaninglessness; (4) circumstances that overwhelm an individual; and (5) an extended illness involving intractable or unrelenting pain (note the growing debate regarding assisted suicide).

No matter what mode of suicide a person chooses, if we were to somehow explore the thoughts of those who have committed suicide (or are contemplating it), I believe that we would find one of these five motivating factors. The death certificate may list drug overdose or gunshot wound as the cause of death; yet the underlying cause often is never discovered because of the self-imposed isolation that most people experience prior to their suicide. We see the result on the coroner's report, but the true cause can usually be found within the list of these motivating factors.

Over the last ten to fifteen years, we have watched the results of suicides stemming from adherence to a cause. This has been portrayed in grim detail in the media in the suicides carried out in bombings in the Middle East when a soldier storms a building with a truck laden with explosives. The murder of hundreds of soldiers was an honorable deed for the one who killed himself in the truck that slammed into the army barracks. To die for such a cause is noble for one who considers the cause life's motivation.

The pictures of Guyana and the hundreds of bodies strewn across the ground were grim reminders that pacts between individuals can have tragic consequences. The followers of Jim Jones had a pact, and it resulted in their mass suicide. A major cause of suicide is the despair of living without meaning or purpose. In a world overwhelmed with violence, divorce, homelessness, AIDS, and drug abuse, it is too often the norm to live life bouncing around without anything to hang on to that would give meaning and security to an otherwise lonely existence.

In his book Fatal Choice, John Q. Baucom states that of all the suicides committed by teenagers in 1984, 80 percent had alcohol in their systems: "Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. It is estimated that approximately 6,000 adolescents will take their lives annually . . . During the past 25 years the teenage rate has tripled. One report indicates that nearly 12 percent of all school children will experience serious suicidal ideation at least once." The fact that many children are finding suicide to be the logical choice underscores the impact that the pressures of life, even at such an early age, can have. They live in a world of isolation, rejection, and the perception that no one cares. Life becomes intolerable, and suicide becomes the "logical" answer. Depression is a key factor in most suicides.

Circumstances can often be the precipitating factor in suicide. What one person can deal with, another might find overwhelming. This can encompass any number of things, such as divorce, the loss of a job, or financial distress. In one sad incident, the inability to deal with the death of a friend resulted in the suicide of a well-known professional football player. The young man lost control of his car while driving late one evening in Texas. A friend who was in the car died. Overcome with the reality of what had happened, the young man put a gun to his head and ended his life. His circumstance motivated his suicide.

The last of the motivating factors in suicide concerns the inability to cope with a debilitating illness and unrelenting pain. Assisted suicide has gained national and international attention in the media. Over the years, the idea of euthanasia has been discussed and debated, but never have so many sought to enlist the help of medical professionals in ending their lives. Euthanasia is defined in Webster's II New Riverside University Dictionary, as "the intentional causing of a painless and easy death to a patient suffering from an incurable or painful disease." As people have become more aggressive in their "right" to end the suffering of terminal illnesses or the ravages of old age, the issue of assisted suicide has taken on monumental significance among many groups who wish to see euthanasia become one of the "rights" that all people possess. News reports are filled with stories of people seeking to end their lives with the help of a medical professional.

We need to consider the reasons why suicide is wrong and why it is not the way to avoid painful circumstances. As an act of rebellion, suicide is a sin against God. These are some of the reasons why suicide is wrong:

It violates the Ten Commandments.
Nowhere does the Bible condone a person ending life to escape circumstances.
Life is a gift from God.
Suicide is an expression of self-hatred, and the Bible says we are to "love our neighbors as ourselves."
Suicide usurps the power that belongs only to God.
A person who commits suicide short-circuits God's will for his or her life.
It is an expression of lack of faith. Philippians 4:19 states, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
This applies to financial needs and emotional and physical needs.
Suicide is an act of selfishness.
It hurts the cause of Christ.

With this in mind, we can understand why there are so many questions concerning whether God forgives the person who commits suicide. After all, suicide is an act of rebellion against God. Fortunately for all of us, however, God's grace is without prejudice. Whoever believes will be saved. Nowhere in the Bible does God compartmentalize sin and reserve grace only for those who commit "acceptable" sins. There is no such thing. Does God forgive suicide? Yes, He does. If the person who committed suicide at some time accepted Jesus' death on the cross as payment for his sin debt and asked Him into his life, he is forgiven. Absolute assurance of forgiveness is found in Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." If a person has ever taken that step and received Christ as Savior, nothing can alter the truth that, as children of God, we are forgiven. Even when we rebel against God, He is faithful to keep His Word. On the other hand, there is no such assurance for the one who commits suicide and has never taken that step of faith in Christ, except the assurance of eternal separation from God.

The fact that God's grace is sufficient and that forgiveness is available even in the case of suicide should never be taken as permission to follow through with the temptation to commit suicide. Suicide is never the right decision. No one enjoys suffering. All of us sympathize with those who hurt, both physically and emotionally. However, 2 Corinthians 12:9 is our assurance that in our weakness, God's grace is sufficient, and that is our hope when life becomes intolerable. When nothing we try works, God has promised that He is able to sustain us. If you have struggled with the meaning of life or are experiencing overwhelming pain (physical or mental) and are considering taking your life, I urge you to take these steps to get the help you need in your time of trouble.

Cry out to God. Read Psalm 34 and ask God to renew your mind with these verses:

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken" (Psalm 34:17-20).

Call someone and ask for help. Don't let pride get in the way. Much of Satan's power to convince those who feel unloved and hopeless is found in his ability to keep them isolated and removed from those who can lift them up.

Ask Jesus Christ to give you new hope and to give your life meaning. His life indwells you, and His resources are constantly available in your most desperate moment.

If you are not the one struggling with the issue of suicide but have a friend or someone in your family who seems to have given up, there are some things you can do to help that person.

Be able to recognize clues the person may be giving, either consciously or subconsciously. Look for symptoms such as depression, signs of hopelessness, lethargy, and so on. Listen for threats and words of warning, such, "I have nothing to live for." Be aware of whether the person becomes withdrawn and isolated from others.

Trust your judgment. If you believe there is an imminent threat of suicide, trust your instincts. Don't let others dissuade you from loving intervention.

Tell others. Don't worry about breaking a confidence if the person is obviously contemplating suicide or says he or she has a plan. As soon as possible, involve the help of others, such as parents, friends, spouse, teachers, ministers, physicians, anyone in a position to assist the distressed individual.

Stay with the person. If you believe the person is in danger of carrying out the plan, do not leave the person alone. Wait with the person until medical help arrives or the crisis has passed.

Listen. Encourage the person to talk to you. Refrain from giving pat answers that could further depress the person who is on the verge of giving up. Listen and empathize with the person.

Urge professional help. Stress the necessity of getting help for the individual.

Be supportive. Show the person that you care. Do what you can to help the person feel worthwhile and valuable to you.

Suicide is not the answer to life's pain, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. Christ is the answer and in Him alone will we find healing from the problems that ultimately cause a person to end life before God has chosen to do so.

"Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

In Christ's Name
Mary
Bishop Leslie "Mary" Trombly

Ref: Permission from Bishop Mary quoted:"Dear Elder Gail;

[I do not mind] at all... Just make sure that you include a note that some of it's exerpts are from Charles Stanley. Suicide is climbing everyday and if you are observant enough at the time draws closer to the Rapture, Tribulation and The Second Coming of Christ, You will see an enormous increase of suicide that will be committed out of total fear because they do not have Christ in their lives. Sad, but true.

Bishop Mary