MEMORY VERSE: “ If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come”. Job 14:14.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Jonah 4:1-6.
INTRODUCTION
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death or deliberately killing oneself. Some of the common signs of suicidal thoughts are intense sadness and/ or hopelessness; not caring about activities that used to matter; withdrawal from family, friends, sports, and social activities; substance (drug, alcohol) abuse.
OUTLINE
- THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUCIDE
- DEALING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
- THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUCIDE
God is the giver of life: He gives, and He takes away Job 1:21. God is the only one who should decide when a person dies. Therefore, suicide is ungodly and equal to murder (self-murder): it rejects God’s gift of life. No one should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end their own life Ezekiel 18:4.
In the Scripture, some people committed suicide: Abimelech Judges 9:54, Saul 1 Samuel 31:4, Saul’s armour bearer 1 Samuel 31:4-6, Ahithophel 2 Samuel 17:23, Zimri 1 Kings 16:18 and Judas Matthew 27:5.
Some others felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” Ecclesiastes 2:17. Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death 1 Kings 19:4 Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die Jonah 4:8. The apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point were under great pressure that resulted in despair 2 Corinthians 1:8. However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to fear God and keep His commandment Ecclesiastes 12:13. Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission 1 Kings 19:5, 15-16. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God Jonah 4:1-3, 8-11. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the lord can help us to bear all things 2 Corinthians 1:9.
2. DEALING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
The most common cause of suicide is depression resulting from mental illness. Also, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness. In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and so on), discrimination or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.
According to the Bible, suicide is a sin Exodus 20:13. Therefore, if you or anyone around you who expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits self- harming behaviours, seek pastoral and professional help. In addition, the following may help to rescue anyone having suicidal thoughts.
Develop coping strategies to deal with stressors (people and situations) – Proverbs 24:19.
Seek professional counselling to guide you out of any crisis (debt, loss, etc.)- Proverbs 11:14
In marital related crisis, know that your life should be more valued and protected than material or any other investment that has been put in. Make up your mind not to die before your appointed time Exodus 23:26b.
Be hopeful. Always remember that no condition is permanent Job 14:7.
Be assured that Jesus identifies with you in your time of rejection and humiliation Isaiah 53:2-5 and will always come to your rescue, repair your brokenness, and restore your joy if only you call upon Him Psalm 61:1-2; 50:15.
CONCLUSION
No matter how bad things are presently, like Job, wait on God till your change comes Job 14:14.
FURTHER READINGS:
MON: Matthew 27:5.
TUE: Psalm 125:1-2.
WED: Proverbs 3:5-6.
THUR: Isaiah 12:2-6.
FRI: Isaiah 26:3-4.
SAT: Matthew 6:25-34.
SUN: Matthew 21:21-22.