Published by Have you ever really thought about the word suicide, and the actions that come with it? Most individuals probably would say “no” due to its morbid nature, and the consequences that go along with it spiritually. For most Christians, suicide is viewed as a moral sin, and is not spoken of within the average church. Most churches steer away from this topic because it is considered to be such a great sin. Simply defined, suicide means the taking of one’s own life. To many, suicide is considered self-murder.
The sixth commandment states that you shall not kill. This commandment includes yourself, and others, unless you are being harmed and/or it’s in self defense. If this is clearly one of the commandments that were meant to shape and mold our lives, why is this even an option for people? Could this possibly be an option because individuals are so incredibly anxious to see if the unknown afterlife exists and what it’s like? I don’t really think so. Individuals think that the afterlife is this beautifully landscaped paradise full of joy and happiness, because of what we were taught. How does one truly know this? We don’t. All one can do is hope, pray, and wish this is the case.
Suicide is a permanent solution for a temporary problem. Many individuals feel that there lives are so unbearable because they may lack love, financial stability, or because they may feel they aren’t good enough for anything or anyone. To eliminate these feelings, people opt to kill themselves with hopes of achieving a better life. This notion may be acceptable for those who suffer from chronic pain, as they feel life will never get better. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (New International Version, Matt 11.28). Most individuals, who consider suicide, either never really think the entire process out, or don’t know how to evaluate their lives in order to reconsider their decision and see that there is so much more to life. Suicide is an easy release from the bittersweet turmoil of life, or hell on earth. Life is not necessarily meant to be easy. It’s trying and sometimes torturous, but everyone can make it.
Earth on some aspects may be considered as living death. Earth is “our” secret hell. So logically, if earth is hell, then we all have no choice but to go to heaven, or a more peaceful, eternal paradise. Think about it. Many people use the term “hell on earth” quite frequently and really believe that. So why not just off yourself and automatically go to heaven and be at peace? It’s a little more involved than that.
The bible never literally states that if you take your own life, you will go to hell. It also doesn’t state that if you take your own life you will go to heaven. If the bible clearly stated such, everyone would be committing suicide or not at all. So where does one go at that point? Well, just off of a rash assumption, if one takes their own life they will be placed in purgatory. Whether purgatory is a physical place or a condition, we should all be able to agree that it’s a waiting room for judgment, according to the dictionary and some religious beliefs. Right?
Truthfully, it’s not that simple. If you practice any kind of spirituality or are Christian, then you pretty much believe that you will be damned, and go to a hell worse than earth, upon the commitment of suicide. Earth was never created to be hellish. It is supposed to be a place overflowing with peace, love, and happiness. Is it? Not quite, but it can be. The life that you were given is yours to make the best of. God has given each of us the ability to live and make it something. Somewhat like a SAT or GMAT test for life. The test simply determines if humans can manage survival. God doesn’t really want anyone to take their life, or anyone else’s. According to the bible and while Christ was living, the only unforgivable sin is to reject Christ, or blaspheming the Holy Spirit. “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” (Mark 3.28-29) When Christ died, it was for the sins of everyone, if and only if we were to repent.
So, the reason that suicide is considered a great mortal sin is simple. If one considers suicide, they are in danger of going to hell because they in a sense are rejecting Christ, or mocking him. For an individual to have such a hardened heart, they cannot possibly distinguish good from evil, or cannot repent. Wherever the Spirit works, grace for forgiveness is available. God’s grace never gives us a free voucher to sin. The doctrine of unforgivable sins is a cautious warning against overconfidence and religious blindness, not of temporary wrongdoing. We all are or have gone through a spiritual battle with ourselves at some point, and don’t or won’t know which way to go.
We have to strive to find a happy medium that will enable us to cope with what life has to offer, or decides to throw at us. Once you make the choice to commit suicide, and actually put action to it, you can’t turn back. Unlike life, if you screw something up, chances are you can fix it and/or not do it again. There are choices with this option.
Have humans lost their way, and feel there is no recourse for some of their actions, thoughts, or feelings? Some have, and all they need is a little guidance and love. No ones life is that excruciating that they should feel it’s not worth living. One can always find something good out of life, or learn how to make it better and advantageous. God judges each one of us individually. He weighs out all the factors of our lives, our beliefs and our motives. One very important truth is that each one of us will stand before His throne and give account of our lives. Let’s love and respect one another. Spiritually, one never knows when their time will come to meet their maker. Tell each other you love them often. Praise each other frequently, and always help those who are in need. Follow your heart, and try to find your calling or purpose in life. Open your ears, and listen to God tell you how valuable your life is. Hear that you are needed on this earth and that the purpose for your life has not yet been fulfilled. God loves you, and so do many people around you. God could not possibly be God if He could not work out a situation (no matter how unbearable or unattainable it may seem) for His glory and for the good in your own life.
Suicide is permanent, but more often than not, I think that people want to be saved before they die. It is an ultimate cry for help.
Yes self murder is still murder, but the church in the past has judged the victims as criminals, especially since they now have no voice to defend themselves. Traditionally, a suicide victim would be given an undignified burial, thus adding to the grief of the family and friends.
The role of the church should be to edify and encourage each other, not to judge those who need God’s help the most. Is the church a hospital for hurting people or a museum for the holy?
Yes, it’s an ultimate cry for help, and ends in “no” return for another chance. People want to be saved before they die, but often don’t know how to go about it properly. The church has strayed away from truly helping those less fortunate in ALL regards. A museum for the holy…I like that! It’s an up and down situation. There are still some good holy church’s in existence, but it has become very difficult to narrow them down. To each it’s own.