Is Suicide an Option?

One of my old friends killed himself recently.

Many who knew him as a kind and generous man wondered why such a thing could happen to such a nice guy. I knew him as well as some and maybe better than most. We had been friends for over 15 years and struggled together and apart with our faith and life’s ups and downs. We had shared in conversations and in living an intimate friendship of open communication. Although we eventually moved to far away cities, we continued to talk on the phone, send emails and visit once a year or so to catch up on what life was like for us. So, I felt that I knew him as well as anyone, maybe better than his own family. He was married a few years after we became friends, but he shared with me his deepest inner turmoil’s. I do not think he was able to do that with his Wife or many people. Eventually, we lost touch with each other. The last I heard from him was on the phone two years ago that he was having problems with his new Wife and disabled adopted Daughter. He was then living in the basement room of their new home and drinking. His Wife still loved him, but had decided instead of leaving him just to allow him to remain in the basement room so he could, when sober, drive their Daughter to school and her other events. But, there was a rejection of him by his Wife, friends, and family (Especially his Father) that I feel was the real reason for his depression and eventual suicide.

Some might think that it was the alcohol alone that caused him to commit suicide. I do not believe that. It is true that excessive or alcoholic drinking for some people can aggravate mental and emotional and behavioral problems. I do not argue the theories on alcoholism and its effects on the human mind, body and spirit. But, I believe that the real problem (As Alcoholic Anonymous states) is in the mind, body and spirit. The real cause of human problems stems from a disconnect from self and the Creator God. God will always love us, but He created us with free will. Perhaps some of us, like my friend, lost his free will. I do not believe he ever lost the love of God. Jesus Christ paid the price and assured us that salvation was from Him alone, not from anything we do or do not do. God loves us unconditionally. It is the evil powers on earth and in heavenly places that persecute our souls, bodies and minds. Some of us are so very sensitive that we are easy targets for those evil powers to tempt us into believing that there is no hope or way out of our miserable situation, whatever it may be. God created us and God can allow us to suffer whatever He allows us to suffer, even to death or suicide.

I realize that many Christians and non Christians would strongly disagree with that previous statement. But, I challenge you to give a better explanation! Why would anyone go against the human instinct for survival and choose to destroy their body? Suicide is a well documented fact throughout history and in some cultures it has even been deemed an honorable way to end one’s life for various reasons. In World War two for example, Japanese soldiers willingly committed suicide for their honor, their beliefs, and their nation. Or, because they thought they had disgraced their Deity or position of responsibility in their community. For them, as in many other cultures, suicide was the only way to prove that they could make restitution and save face for themselves and the ones they respected and loved.

So, I ask, did my friend kill himself just because he was selfish? Or, is it possible that he had a higher motive in mind? Is it possible that he was trying to prevent further suffering and trouble for the ones he loved? It is worth considering these questions before pronouncing judgment. And, who has not thought at sometime such thoughts? Is there anyone among us that has not suffered some tragedy or misery that we have not thought about escaping life somehow? If anyone has suffered greatly (And I know all people have at sometime) then the fact that some people just decide to end life can be understandable to an honest person who also has had such thoughts. Only the self-deceived would not know that this is true.

Am I condoning suicide? No. But, I do know that everything in God’s world happens for a reason. What that reason is I cannot definitely say. But, I am assured by God Himself that Jesus Christ died and rose to life again for everyone. No exceptions!

I find comfort in knowing that whatever life throws at us we shall be saved for eternity if we believe and trust in God through Jesus Christ! Even Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus (And Paul who denied him and the other Apostles and disciples who ran away), yes! Even my friend who killed himself and all the others who did the same are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ!

That is the Good News that the Bible, Prophets and teachers have written and told us about. We humans are not able to save ourselves in any way! We all will die! But, we all are saved for eternity under the blood of Christ! Hallelujah!

A Christian is NOT a perfect person! A Christian is NOT able to live a good life! We all are sinners in God’s sight, BUT, we have a chance, a way out of our dilemmas. All we need to do is accept Jesus Christ into our hearts. The outcome from that is up to God. We do not control anything after making that choice. Good or bad, life or death (Or suicide) we are guaranteed immortality!

I hope this helps you find the love and peace you are seeking. Yes, God loves us; He paid the ultimate price for us all forever. Do not feel ashamed that you are flawed or lost. The bodies we live in are temporary. If God decides to use you or not, that is His choice, not yours. But, regardless of what you may think or feel at present, you WILL BE SAVED after all is said and done.