Suicide is a tragic and sensitive topic that many people struggle with. The Bible does not explicitly condemn suicide, but it offers hope and comfort for those considering it. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that relate to suicide:
1. Life is a gift from God
The Bible teaches that life is a precious gift from God and that He intends for us to live it fully (John 10:10). We are stewards of the life that God has given us, and He desires for us to make the most of it for His glory. Ending one’s life prematurely goes against God’s plan and purpose:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14).
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27).
2. Suicide Came from the Devil
The Bible indicates that suicide came into the world through the devil. When Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the world (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). This included self-inflicted death. The devil seeks to steal, kill, and destroy life (John 10:10). When people take their own life, they are listening to the lies of the enemy rather than embracing God’s truth and goodness:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10).
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).
3. There is always hope in God
No matter how desperate the situation may seem, God offers hope, healing, and redemption to those who seek Him (Psalm 34:18). Several figures in the Bible faced deep despair but were restored by God, such as Job, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Jonah. God meets us in our lowest points and brings comfort, hope, and help when we turn to Him:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18).
“Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.” (Psalm 25:6).
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:1-2).
4. Your life has purpose
God has a specific plan and purpose for each person’s life (Jeremiah 29:11). He calls us to fulfill our unique kingdom purpose and bring glory to Him. Ending life prematurely cuts short God’s plan and work through an individual. Christians can have confidence that God will see them through even their most difficult trials (1 Corinthians 10:13).
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
5. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
Since believers in Jesus are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, their bodies are holy places where God resides (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Self-murder destroys God’s temple and cuts short the spiritual life He has deposited inside. Christians are called to steward their bodies well and honor the Lord with their physical selves.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
“For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
6. God cares deeply when His children suffer
People considering suicide often feel alone in their suffering. But Scripture assures us that God cares intimately about what His children are going through. When His people hurt, He hurts too. He promises to be close to the brokenhearted and sustain them in their anguish (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 53:4).
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3).
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” (Isaiah 53:4).
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” (John 15:9).
7. God forgives even the worst sins
Those struggling with suicidal thoughts may feel like their life is irredeemable. But the blood of Jesus provides atonement even for the worst sins and failures. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). God offers mercy, cleansing, and new life to all who confess their sins and turn to Him (1 John 1:9).
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
8. Your earthly suffering pales in comparison to the hope of eternity
Suicidal thoughts often arise when people lose perspective and feel overwhelmed by their earthly troubles. But the Bible directs our focus to the hope of eternity with God. The suffering of this life cannot be compared with the glory that awaits those who know Jesus as Savior (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17). This eternal perspective brings courage and endurance.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18).
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
9. Christians belong to God and each other
Isolation fuels suicidal thinking. But the church provides a place of belonging, community, and accountability for believers. God’s people are members of Christ’s body, connected to the Head and each other (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Suicide leaves the church body maimed and incomplete. Christians are needed for the health and growth of the church.
“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. . . . But God has so composed the body . . . that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:13, 24-25).
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
10. God can redeem your worst moments
In Scripture, we see many examples of God taking people’s worst acts and somehow using them for greater good. After Cain killed Abel, God put a mark of protection on him (Genesis 4:8,15). The apostle Paul oversaw the murder of Christians before God redeemed him and used him mightily to spread the gospel (Acts 9). Your darkest moments do not have to define your life story. God is able to work even through your failures and tragedies.
“God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus…” (2 Corinthians 7:6).
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
“But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water…For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 19:34,36).
In summary, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and help for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. God affirms the value of human life and His unfailing presence with His people. He provides strength to endure suffering, answers prayer, forgives sin, and gives peace. Christians belong to God and the body of Christ. No matter how desperate things seem, He will lead us through to a place of wholeness, purpose and eternal hope if we trust and rely on Him.