Compassion in the midst of your concern

Does life seem impossible to you? Have you been struggling with the idea of ​​committing suicide? Have you started to believe a lie? That lie is that “taking your own life is better than living the life God has given you.” But the Lord has compassion on you in every concern and wants to work in your life only with the truth,

“[Jesus said]: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

myths about suicide

  • Myth: “People who talk about taking their own lives never carry it out”.

Fact: Take any threat of suicide seriously. 80% of those who have committed suicide have told someone.

“The heart of the understanding acquires wisdom; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15)

  • Myth: “Never bring up the subject of suicide with people who are going through deep depression, it might give them ideas”

Reality: But most people with severe depression or anxiety have thought about taking their own life. If someone is considering suicide as an alternative, it can be very helpful to talk to another person about avoiding it.

“The wise in heart is called prudent, and the sweetness of lips increases knowledge.” (Proverbs 16:21)

  • Myth: “A committed Christian would never commit suicide.”

Fact: The loss of hope that accompanies severe anxiety can also put great pressure on your faith. Like Jeremiah, the great man of God, the most ardent believer can fall prey to despair and desire suicide. When Jeremiah was being tormented and his life was in danger, he raised his regret to God:

“Cursed be the day I was born; May the day my mother gave birth to me not be blessed… Why did I come out of the womb? To see toil and pain, and my days spent in disgrace? (Jeremiah 20:14,18)

Dos and Don’ts…for Family and Friends

  • Don’t talk about death as something trivial. Don’t say, “Stop talking about it.”

Yes…Be willing to listen, really listen. Say, “I want to know what you’re really feeling.”

  • Don’t promise: “I will never tell anyone”.

Yes… Explain: “I love you and I can’t promise to keep it a secret. I love you too much to do it.”

  • Don’t blame anyone or anything by saying, “It’s their fault you feel this way.”

Yes… Recognize that God knows about injustices, yet we decide how we react to them. Will we assume a responsible or irresponsible attitude?

  • Don’t offer instant solutions like: “Forget the past”.

Yes… Help start a medical evaluation as soon as possible.

  • Don’t get involved in theological discussions.

Yes… Pray fervently for wisdom for each person involved in this crisis and assure yourself: “God will never leave you nor forsake you”.

“There are men whose words are as blows of a sword; The words of wise people are medicine”. (Proverbs 12:18)

Seven biblical reasons to say “no” to suicide

  1. Suicide rejects the inner peace that God offers. (Philippians 4:6,7)
  2. Suicide rejects God’s sovereignty over the length of life. (Psalms 139:13,16)
  3. Suicide rejects the authority that God has over life. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
  4. Suicide rejects God’s commandment not to threaten human life. (Deuteronomy 5:17)
  5. Suicide rejects God’s ability to heal his wounds. (Jeremiah 17:14)
  6. Suicide rejects God’s plan to give you hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
  7. Suicide rejects the power that God has already given you to be a spiritual person. (2 Peter 1:3,4)

key verse to memorize

“My soul, only rest in God, because of him is my hope. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my refuge, I will not slip.” (Psalm 62:5,6)

Key passage to read and meditate
Lamentations 3:19,24

Comfort for those who are suffering the consequences of a suicide

The emotional consequences of suicide are more devastating than we can imagine. Few people are able to be at the side of those who suffer the consequences of suicide.

The incomparable pain of the relative

  • Impact—“There must be a mistake. I just saw her a few hours ago.”
  • Denial—“He thought death was better than continuing to live with me!”
  • Guilt—“I should have done something to stop it.”
  • Anger—“How could you do this to me?”
  • Sadness—“I often dream that he comes back to me”

Be an incomparable friend

  • Be present—Be willing to be with the person. His presence is enough.
  • Listen—Listen carefully to what is in her heart and encourage the survivor to express her emotions.
  • Accept—Accept all emotions, no matter how offensive.
  • Promote forgiveness—Allow the survivor to see sensitivity and forgiveness in their own life.
  • Pray earnestly—Offer to pray for the survivor if he or she is receptive.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; and he saves the contrite in spirit.” (Psalms 34:18)

Giving hope to those who don’t have it

Confront honestly. (Proverbs 20:5)

  • Take any conversation about death or suicide seriously.
  • Ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
  • Express your concern.

Offer alternatives. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

  • Recognize that life is hard.
  • Point out that sometimes it’s hard to live when we find ourselves in unpleasant situations.
  • On a separate sheet of paper, make a list of possible alternatives.

Propose a contract. (Galatians 6:2)

  • Build the relationship by showing genuine interest and a willingness to help.
  • Ask if the person is willing to make a deal with you: “Do you promise that if you try to hurt yourself, you’ll tell me before you do it?”
  • Be sure to get their signature.

Get help. (Proverbs 15:22)