Tag: Support

What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?

Quick Answer

The Bible does not specifically mention the word “suicide,” but it addresses the sanctity of life and God’s sovereignty over life and death. While suicide is considered a sin because it involves taking a life (Exodus 20:13), it is not portrayed as the unforgivable sin. Scripture assures that salvation through Jesus Christ covers all sins, including suicide (Romans 8:38-39). However, it also emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s help, hope, and community support in times of despair (Psalm 34:18; 1 Peter 5:7).

Suicide is a deeply tragic and complex issue, affecting individuals and families across the globe. For Christians, understanding what the Bible says about suicide is crucial for providing compassionate support and theological clarity. This article explores biblical teachings on suicide, the nature of God’s providence, and the hope available in Christ.

Biblical Examples of Suicide

The Bible records several instances of suicide:

  • Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:5): Overcome with remorse after betraying Jesus, Judas hanged himself.
  • Saul (1 Samuel 31:4) and Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:5): Facing imminent defeat and death, both chose to end their lives.
  • Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23): When his counsel was not followed, Ahithophel hanged himself.
  • Zimri (1 Kings 16:18-19): After his failed coup, Zimri set the king’s house on fire and died in the flames.

While these examples show individuals in despair, they do not necessarily represent God’s will or approval.

See also: Bible Verses about Suicide

Suicide and Sin

The Sanctity of Life

Scripture underscores the sanctity of life. Genesis 1:26-27 affirms that humans are created in God’s image, giving each life inherent value. The commandment “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) extends to self-murder, or suicide. Life is a gift from God, and taking it unlawfully violates His sovereignty.

Forgiveness and Salvation

However, the Bible also teaches that all sins, except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31), can be forgiven. Romans 8:38-39 assures believers that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus—not even suicide. This means that a true Christian who commits suicide can still be saved, as their salvation is secure in Christ’s completed work (John 10:28-29).

See also: Bible Verses about Salvation

Responding to Despair

Hope and Encouragement

The Bible provides numerous passages of hope and encouragement for those struggling with despair:

  • Psalm 34:18 (ESV): “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
  • 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
  • Romans 5:3-5 (ESV): “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, hope.”

These verses emphasize that God is present in our suffering and offers comfort and hope.

See also: Bible Verses about Encouragement

Community and Support

Believers are encouraged to support one another in times of need (Galatians 6:2). The church community plays a crucial role in providing emotional and spiritual support, helping individuals navigate their struggles.

God’s Providence

Sovereignty Over Life

God’s providence is evident throughout Scripture, affirming that He has a purpose and plan for every life (Ephesians 1:11). This includes the seemingly insignificant details (Proverbs 16:33) and the major events of history (Daniel 2:21).

Trust in God’s Plan

Trusting in God’s plan, even when life seems unbearable, is a recurrent theme in the Bible. Characters like Job, Moses, Elijah, and Paul faced intense despair but ultimately found hope and purpose through their faith in God.

See also: Bible Verses about God’s Plan

Practical Steps for Prevention

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is essential to seek help immediately. Contact a pastor, trusted friend, or mental health professional. National hotlines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) provide immediate support.

Prayer and Scripture

Engage in prayer and immerse yourself in Scripture. Passages that emphasize God’s love, care, and sovereignty can provide immense comfort and perspective.

Community Involvement

Stay connected with your church community. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, while fellowship can provide the necessary support and encouragement.

Conclusion

Suicide is a complex issue that requires a compassionate and biblically informed response. The Bible affirms the sanctity of life, the gravity of suicide as a sin, and the encompassing forgiveness available through Jesus Christ. By understanding these truths, Christians can offer hope and support to those in despair, pointing them to the eternal hope found in Christ.

References

  1. https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/ask-ligonier/is-suicide-the-unpardonable-sin
  2. https://www.gty.org/library/questions/QA143/can-one-who-commits-suicide-be-saved
  3. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/suicide-and-salvation
  4. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/lord-let-me-die
  5. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/can-a-christian-commit-suicide
  6. https://www.logos.com/grow/preaching-about-suicide
  7. https://www.logos.com/grow/has-your-congregation-ever-heard-a-sermon-on-suicide
  8. https://www.gotquestions.org/suicide-Bible-Christian.html
  9. https://bible.org/seriespage/q-do-those-who-commit-suicide-go-hell
  10. https://bible.org/question/if-christian-commits-suicide-will-they-go-heaven
  11. https://bible.org/seriespage/q-can-you-help-clarify-some-things-suicide
  12. https://answersingenesis.org/sanctity-of-life/christians-and-suicide-prevention
  13. https://answersingenesis.org/sanctity-of-life/suicide-and-gods-plan-for-life
  14. https://www.compellingtruth.org/Bible-suicide.html
  15. https://www.compellingtruth.org/why-not-commit-suicide.html
  16. https://www.compellingtruth.org/want-to-die.html
  17. https://www.9marks.org/article/when-a-pastor-commits-suicide
  18. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/what-does-the-bible-say-about-suicide
  19. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/what-does-the-bible-say-about-self-mutilationsuicide-if-anything
  20. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2021/11/fighting-hopelessness
  21. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2021/02/gods-providence-revealed-in-scripture

Prayer to Comfort a Grieving Friend

Dear Lord,

We lift up our dear friend who is grieving. We ask that You would surround her with Your love and comfort during this difficult time. Lord, we know that You are the God of all comfort and that You understand the depths of our friend’s pain. We ask that You would bring her peace and hope in the midst of her sorrow.

We ask that You would give her the strength to endure this trial and that You would be close to her in her time of need. We ask that You would surround her with loving friends and family to support her and that You would be her rock and her refuge.

We ask that You would give her the grace to trust in You and to find comfort in Your presence. We ask that You would help her to see that You are always with her and that You are working all things for her good.

We ask that You would bring her healing and restoration in the days ahead and that You would give her a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Lord, we trust in Your love and Your goodness, and we ask that You would work in our friend’s life in powerful ways.

This is our prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 34:18 ESV

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.

Read full chapter

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Read full chapter

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Read full chapter

Psalm 23:4 ESV

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

Read full chapter

Psalm 147:3 ESV

He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.

Read full chapter

Matthew 11:28 ESV

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Read full chapter

Prayer for Depression

Heavenly Father,

I come to You today in the midst of my struggles with depression. Lord, I know that You see my pain and understand the depths of my sorrow. I trust in Your unfailing love and Your promise that You are with me always.

I pray for Your peace to guard my heart and mind. I ask for Your strength to overcome the feelings of hopelessness and despair. Give me the courage to keep going, even when everything around me seems to be falling apart.

I place my trust in You, Lord. I know that You are able to do more than I could ever ask or imagine. I pray for Your healing hand to touch me and for Your light to shine in the darkness of my depression.

Please give me the wisdom to seek help and support from those around me, and help me to remember that I am not alone in this struggle. And guide me to the path You want me to follow.

I thank You, Lord, for Your love, Your grace, and Your never-ending mercy.

I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.”

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 34:18 ESV

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.

Read full chapter

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Read full chapter

Psalm 42:5 ESV

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation

Read full chapter

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Read full chapter

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Read full chapter

Prayer for a Husband

Dear Lord,

I lift up my husband to You today, asking that You would bless him and watch over him. May he know Your love and presence in a deep and personal way.

I pray that You would give him wisdom and discernment in all things, and that You would guide him in making decisions that are pleasing to You. May he be a man of integrity and honor, and may he serve You with all his heart.

I pray that You would protect him from temptation and danger, and that You would give him the strength and courage to resist any forces that seek to harm him. May he be a strong and courageous leader for our family, and may he always put You first in his life.

I pray that You would bless our marriage, and that You would help us to grow closer to You and to each other. May we support and encourage each other in all things, and may we be a blessing to those around us.

Thank You for my husband, and for the love and joy he brings to my life. I trust in Your goodness and faithfulness, and I know that You will work all things together for our good.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Colossians 3:18-19 ESV

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Read full chapter

1 Peter 3:7 ESV

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 31:10-11 ESV

An excellent wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.

Read full chapter

Titus 2:4-5 ESV

and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Read full chapter

1 Corinthians 7:3-4 ESV

The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

Read full chapter

A Prayer for a Friend

Heavenly Father,

I come to You today to lift up my dear friend in prayer. I ask that You would surround her with Your love and grace. I ask that You would give her strength for the journey ahead and that You would be her comfort in times of trouble.

I ask that You would guide her in Your ways and that Your will would be done in her life. I pray that You would give her wisdom and discernment to make the right decisions and that You would give her the courage to follow You wholeheartedly.

I also ask that You would heal any physical, emotional or spiritual wounds she may have and that You would renew her mind and heart. I pray that You would give her peace in the midst of any storms she may be facing and that You would be her refuge and stronghold.

I pray that she would grow deeper in her relationship with You and that she would be a witness of Your love and grace to those around her.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Proverbs 17:17 ESV

A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for adversity.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 27:9 ESV

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
    and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 18:24 ESV

A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Read full chapter

Healing Prayer for a Family Member

Dear God,

I come to You today with a heavy heart, asking for Your healing hand to be placed upon my family member. They are struggling with an illness, and it is causing them pain and suffering.

I pray that You would bring them comfort and peace in their time of need. I pray that You would give them strength to face each day and the courage to trust in Your plan for their life.

I ask that You would restore their health and heal their body, mind, and spirit. I pray that You would use this time of struggle to draw them closer to You and to help them grow in their faith.

I also ask that You would provide for all of their needs during this time, including any medical expenses and the support of loved ones. I trust in Your provision and know that You will take care of them.

I know that nothing is impossible for You, and I trust in Your goodness and Your love. Please be with my family member and give them the healing they need.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Read full chapter

Galatians 6:2 ESV

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Read full chapter

Ephesians 6:18 ESV

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Read full chapter

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Read full chapter

Matthew 18:20 ESV

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Read full chapter

Prayer for Marriages

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today to seek Your guidance and wisdom for our marriage. We ask that You would bless us with the strength to love and support each other, to communicate openly and honestly, and to always put each other and our relationship first.

We pray that our marriage would be a reflection of Your love, grace, and forgiveness to each other and to those around us. Help us to remember that our marriage is a sacred covenant, not just between us but also between us and You. Protect us from temptation and the attacks of the enemy, and keep our hearts and minds pure and focused on You.

We pray that our love for each other would grow deeper and stronger every day, and that we would be a source of encouragement and support to each other. May our marriage be a blessing to our family, friends, and community, and may it bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

1 Peter 3:7 ESV

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Read full chapter

Colossians 3:18-19 ESV

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Read full chapter

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 ESV

The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 31:10-12 ESV

An excellent wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
    all the days of her life.

Read full chapter

Prayer for Comfort

Dear God,

I come to You today seeking comfort and peace. I am feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find hope in my current circumstances. I know that You are sovereign and have a plan for my life, even when I cannot see it.

I pray that You would wrap Your loving arms around me and give me the strength to face each day. Please fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to trust in You even when I don’t understand Your ways.

I ask that You would use Your Word, the Bible, to encourage and uplift me, and send people into my life to support me and remind me of Your faithfulness.

Thank You for loving me and for being my rock and my refuge.

I pray all of these things in the powerful name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 34:18 ESV

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.

Read full chapter

Psalm 147:3 ESV

He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.

Read full chapter

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Read full chapter

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Read full chapter

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Read full chapter

Prayer for Friend

Dear Lord,

I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude for my dear friend. I thank You for the ways that they have enriched my life and brought joy to my days.

I lift up my friend to You now, asking for Your blessings and protection. I pray that You would surround them with Your love and grace, and give them the strength, wisdom, and courage to face the challenges that come their way.

I ask that You would bless my friend with peace and joy, and help them to always trust in You and Your plan for their life. I pray that You would guide them and direct their steps, and give them the discernment to know Your will for their life.

I also pray that our friendship would be a source of encouragement and support for both of us, and that it would bring glory to Your name. I ask that You would bless our time together and use it for Your purposes.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Proverbs 17:17 ESV

A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for adversity.

Read full chapter

Galatians 6:2 ESV

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Read full chapter

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Read full chapter

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Iron sharpens iron,
    and one man sharpens another.

Read full chapter

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Read full chapter

Healing Prayer for Sickness

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today with a heavy heart, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of my illness. But I know that You are the Great Healer, and that You have the power to restore me to full health.

I pray for Your healing touch to be upon me, and for Your strength to flow through my body and soul. I ask that You would give me the peace and hope that I need to endure this difficult time, and that You would wrap me in Your loving arms as I rest and recover.

I know that You are sovereign and that Your plans are always good. I pray that You would use this sickness for Your glory and for my good, and that You would give me the grace and wisdom to trust in Your will for my life.

Please also bless those who are caring for me, and give them the strength and compassion they need to support me through this journey. May Your love and presence be with me always, and may I glorify You in all things.

I pray all of this in the powerful and holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 103:2-3 ESV

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,

Read full chapter

James 5:14-15 ESV

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Read full chapter