Suicide…Almost everyone in the world thinks about it at one point or another, some acting on it, some passing it by, others not caring. The reasons for not wanting to live vary a lot; depression, simply at the end…But in many cultures suicide is NOT condoned. It’s a sin. The same is the case with Christianity, with the bible. The biggest ‘objection’ there is with suicide is most probably the fact that with their life, their secret dies…and obviously, that secret must be bad to have wished for death so much one couldn’t wait for it to come on its natural time.

What not many realize is that, though it states clearly that God’s plan is for life, not death, death and destruction are the work of Satan, Jesus want us to have a life and life belongs to God….there are also things that show that it isn’t necessarily condemning you to hell.

I wish to say first, before I truly begin, that these are theories of mine, there will be those that agree and those that disagree, but it is first and foremost my opinion that I wish to share with you.

Suicide is a reaction to depression, feeling unworthy of life.

Suicide is not ‘ok’ according to several pieces of the Bible, but as the Bible is written by men and men are flawed, there are some carefully installed ‘flaws’ that say differently. So have there been several examples of suicide in the Bible, it returns in the actual taking of a life and the pleading with God of it:
Numbers 11:12-15: Moses in despair for the burden of leadership was too heavy for him to bear. He spoke to God and said, “If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now”
Judges 9:52-54: Abimelech pleaded to be killed by his servant for he wished not to die by the actions of a woman.
Jonah 4:1-11: Jonah, in anger about God’s mercy asked for his death, saying that death was better for him than life.
Judas hanged himself out of guilt of his betrayal of the Lord, killing himself in hope of forgiveness in my opinion, in regret and ignorance.

So if suicide returns in the Bible on several occasions (these were only a few), why is it actually wrong? If Prophets may plead for death, why not a mere mortal?

Besides, whereas suicide is a sin, the Bible itself states that every sin in life is ‘ok’ as long as there is faith and trust in God. God is the only judge. From this, I draw my conclusion, according to God’s word, even suicide may be forgiven if the Lord deems it so. He does not preach suicide, doesn’t think it is a sin you should have committed, however it is not a damnable thing.

I want to make clear that this is my personal interpretation of the Bible and its words, whether you agree or not is your own personal choice. However, I want to say this, suicide is not a solution to a problem, even if you do not go to Hell for it.

In words of the Bible, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit that is in you, which you received from God. You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Honor God with your body.” It is a simple thing to say, but think of this: There are millions of souls waiting for an opportunity to ‘live’, why not be thankful that you had this chance? Why not live it to the fullest despite the difficulties you will face?

Sometimes, life is hard, but life was never supposed to be easy. It’s a challenge, it’s an experience that lasts as long as you do. You can learn from it and grow from all you experience, why not embrace that?

© JB