Just recently, I had a co-worker whose brother committed suicide, and another brother is in critical condition after trying to take his life. You hear about people committing suicide all the time in the news. So what causes people to cross that boundary?

Shortly after the news about my co-worker’s brother, a younger male in his 20s came up and asked me a question.

He said, “Tim, you are a religious man. If someone kills themselves, would they go to hell?”

Honestly, I was shocked that he asked me such a deep question. I would have never thought he respected me that way.

My answer to this young man was YES.

Here is why I believe that.

God teaches and emphasizes the sanctity of life. Genesis 1:27 (KJV): So God created man in His own image; in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.

So if God created us in His own image, who are we to destroy what God created?

Because God created us, He is the only one that should decide whether to take a life or give life. God alone is the only one that has never sinned. He alone should decide when our life is done. So if we take our own life, we are telling God He made a mistake. The sin is that you think you’re better than God; that it was God’s mistake for creating you, so you’re going to fix it. In simpler terms: you’re prideful, selfish, and hateful, all which are sins.

Job 1:21 (KJV): And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Acts 17:24-25 (KJV): God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.

God wants us to treat our bodies like a temple. God gave His Son to die for us, so our lives should glorify Him.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV): What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Is there anyone in the Bible who thought about suicide? Yes, I can think of three men right now: Elijah, who was threatened and was on the run from a king. Elijah was completely exhausted and wanted to give up. There was Jonah; you might recall he ran from God and was in such distress he threw himself overboard, and a fish swallowed him up. Lastly, there is Paul. He was put in prison many times, many of those times waiting to be put to death, and if that wasn’t enough, he had an agonizing, painful health issue that he pleaded with God to heal him. Paul was so depressed he no longer wished to go on.

Frankly, if you tell me you have never thought at some point in your life that you would rather be dead, I wouldn’t believe you. Everyone gets depressed from time to time, but you’ve pulled yourself out of depression because you realized you will not have gained anything by killing yourself.

Jesus even got depressed. Just before He was betrayed by Judas, He went off by Himself to pray, and Jesus wept. Even on the cross, Jesus cried out, “Father, why have You left me?”

Personally, a person who commits suicide is the most selfish person anyone could be. Their only emphasis is on themselves. They just want out. What they don’t think about is the deep loss they create for family and friends. Family and friends are left picking up all the pieces, taking care to finish up your affairs; all the dreams and plans are now gone or never will be realized. All the good memories are now clouded with shadows of the suicide.

When we do get depressed, how do we pull ourselves out of it?

We need to give our troubles and depression to God. Lay them down at His feet. God tells us to come to Him. He understands everything about you. He made you, after all.
Matthew 11:27-30 (KJV): All things are delivered unto me of my Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Pray, pray, pray. Tell God what you’re feeling. Pour your heart out to God. He will listen; He wants us to ask Him for help.
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV): Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV): Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Over my 65 years of life, I have been through some very dark times. We can’t avoid them, but God has and always will be there for you.

Suicide is not an answer to any problems. It may seem like the only option at the time, but it’s the worst choice you can make. You may think you’re ending your pain, but you are causing so much more by hurting the people you love the most. Talk to someone, anyone you may trust, and just tell them exactly how you feel.

Cry out to God! Jesus is listening. Tell God how you feel. God will pour out His healing Spirit upon you, and you will begin to heal.

God loves you; He loves me. Don’t try to understand why you feel depressed; trust and put your faith in God. He will do the rest.