From what we read in the Bible, we know that committing suicide is a sin. God calls murder sin (Exodus 20:13) and committing suicide is essentially murdering yourself.

Suicide also dishonours the gift of life that is given by God and bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

And yet, in the Bible, we still see some people thinking about ending their own lives.

When Elijah was fleeing from Jezebel, he was overwhelmed by the journey and prayed that he might die (1 Kings 19:4). 

Jonah asked God to take away his life, he was angry towards God’s compassion for the Ninevites (Jonah 4:3). 

The apostle Paul described his afflictions to be so great that they caused him to be “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).

Reading these accounts informs us that the Word of God is not indifferent or ignorant towards those who are struggling with the deepest pain, sorrow, anguish and who are in despair.

It shows us that God can still meet and lead His people in these struggles of life and death.

God comforted and provided for Elijah, and later recommissioned him (1 Kings 19). God rebuked Jonah and explained His heart for the people in Nineveh (Jonah 4). And God also taught Paul to rely not on himself but on Him (2 Corinthians 1).

The message is clear: there is hope.

We don’t have to come to the point of ending our own lives. We simply need to trust God and hold on to Him.

God is not done when it comes to your life!

Losing loved ones to suicide

What if it is not us, but our loved ones who took their own lives?

While we must recognise that suicide is a sin, it is also important to remember that Christ has defeated sin. 

Because of what Christ did on the cross, defeating death and making atonement for the sins of man, believers are freed from condemnation or bondage to sin.

Romans 8:1 reads: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”.

Because of Jesus, we can have hope that our loved ones who followed Him are covered by His grace and that they are considered righteous through their faith in Christ.

Committing suicide determines that a person will die, but it does not determine where he or she will go after death.

The fate of our souls and where we spend eternity — that belongs alone to Jesus Christ.

This is why the most important decision you can make in this life is to get right with Jesus.

I was there 

If you have ever thought about or are planning to end your life, I want to tell you that there is still hope.

It may feel like no one would care. It may feel like giving up is your only option. I understand that, because I used to think this way too.

But keep holding on. Do not give up.

God loves you enough to create you. Jesus loves you enough to die for you.

You are more important than you think. And you are more loved than you think.

God’s love for you is true. God’s love for you is real.

There is always hope, and there is always help available. 

If you’d like to speak to someone, help is available at the following centres:

• Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 24-hour Hotline: 1767 (there’s also CareText and CareMail: [email protected])
• Institute of Mental Health’s 24-hour Hotline: 6389 2222
• Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800 353 5800
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800 283 7019

And if you know someone who is at immediate risk, do reach out to emergency medical services.