Is suicide a sin?

Wow. Thanks for a tough question! I believe the Bible is very clear on this matter: the answer is Yes. But, don’t forget, suicide is just one of a number of sins mankind has committed against God. To God, suicide is the same as stealing, worshipping false gods, not honoring your parents and even taking the Lord’s name in vain. He doesn’t make one sin worse than another. To God, sin is sin.

Let me explain why the Bible says it’s a sin. In the New Testament, there are two places in 1 Corinthians where I believe God speaks to this. First off, let me just say that the word “suicide” is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. But, listen to these two verses:

“Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The Apostle Paul is telling the people of Corinth that their bodies are temples of the Lord and that the Holy Spirit lives in that temple. Basically, your body is sacred and God won’t take kindly to anyone who destroys His temple. Furthermore, God really stresses that we’re to honor Him with our bodies. Killing our own bodies does not honor God and also violates one of God’s original commandments:

“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)

Remember, God is the One who decides how long your life will be (Psalm 139: 15-16, Psalm 39:4). When a person decides to commit suicide, they are taking that decision away from God. Is that a sin? Absolutely. It also the ultimate waste of a life that Jesus gave His own life for! He didn’t suffer and die on the cross just to have a person throw away the life He gave everything for. So, yes, suicide is a sin.

But, also realize that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). The Bible also tells us that there is no one righteous, not one! (Romans 3:10) The only person who was completely perfect and lived without sin was Jesus Christ, who was crucified for all of our sins. He paid the price for all of us so that we could have eternal life with God, the Father. And it is through the power of His resurrection that we are saved! The Holy Bible is very clear on this:

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

So, if you admit your sins, believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and then commit to repenting (or turning away from the sins) and following Jesus, then you become God’s child. And, because you are God’s child, you are an heir to the inheritance of eternal life with Him in Heaven!!! Isn’t that awesome???

If someone wants to commit suicide do you help him or do you let him because it’s his choice?

Let me first start by saying this is a very serious subject. When someone is at the point that they are talking about committing suicide, they are in a really bad spot because they can see no other option to their problem other than looking to end their life. This is a very serious, serious matter because there is no do-over. Once you’re dead, you’re dead.

You need to ask yourself in that situation, “What would Jesus do?” I know that Jesus loves all of his Father’s creations; in fact, He loved them so much that he forgave them as they were crucifying Him even though He had the ability to destroy them with a thought.

God doesn’t want any of His children to take their own life. He gave them that life and gave it to them so that they could “have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

So, what should you do? If it’s a friend, tell them that God doesn’t want them to commit suicide. Tell them that God loves them. Tell them that YOU don’t want them to commit suicide either. If they don’t listen, you need to tell an adult. But, do not help them commit suicide or encourage them! Think about this: if it was your mom or dad talking about committing suicide, would you want someone to encourage them to kill themselves or even help them do it? Or would you rather have them try and stop them from doing it? I know what I’d do.

If there are no parents around and you really feel that your friend is going to commit suicide, my suggestion to you is to call 1-800-SUICIDE, which is the National Suicide Hotline. Remember, it is a recorded line and also has reverse-call capabilities so that if you get disconnected, they will know where the call came from and send police right away.

Oh, and by the way, if you ever feel like committing suicide and feel you have nowhere to turn, that phone number is someplace to go for help. I pray that you are never at that point in your life.