Suicide

Good morning church,

Let me start by telling you a funny story. A preacher was completing a temperance sermon. With great expression he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river!" The congregation nodded their approval. With even greater emphasis he added, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river, too!" The people clapped and cheered. And then, finally, shaking his fist in the air, he declared, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river!" As he sat down, the choir director stood up very cautiously and announced, "For our closing hymn, let us sing Hymn #365: 'Shall We Gather at the River.'"

Now, as humorous as that story is, it leads us to our topic today, one that is heavy and significant, but nonetheless important: suicide.

The Bible verse that we open with today is Psalm 34:18 - "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Suicide is a topic that many avoid due to its heavy and uncomfortable nature. But it is a reality for many people, both within the church and outside of it. It is an issue that we must address with the utmost care, compassion, and understanding.

We must first understand that every life, every breath, is a gift from God. He has crafted each of us uniquely, with our own passions, talents, and purposes. It is He who gives us life and it is He who decides when our time on this earth is done. This is shown in Deuteronomy 32:39, "See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand."

But it's also essential to understand that life is full of trials and tribulations. Each of us carry burdens, some of which may seem too heavy to bear. In times of despair, God offers us hope and comfort. He does not abandon us. Psalm 46:1 tells us "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

But, why is it then that some feel so hopeless, so overwhelmed, that they contemplate ending their own lives? The reasons are complex and varied. It could be due to a debilitating illness, or unrelenting depression, or insurmountable life circumstances. But regardless of the cause, we must remember that God’s love and compassion extends to everyone, even to those who are contemplating suicide. 

For those among us who struggle with these feelings, it's important to remember the story of Elijah. After a significant victory, he found himself in such despair that he asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). However, God responded not with condemnation, but with care. He provided Elijah with food, drink, and rest before addressing his spiritual needs. This passage reminds us that we should care for the whole person, addressing both physical and spiritual needs. 

Furthermore, Jesus Himself experienced deep sorrow and anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, even to the point of sweating blood (Luke 22:44). He understands our pain and suffering.

To those who are hurting and considering suicide, I implore you to reach out and talk to someone. Reach out to God, reach out to someone you trust, reach out to professional help. There are resources available for you. You are not alone in your pain.

And for us, the church community, let us remember to always be compassionate, kind, and patient to those who are in despair. We must be ready to listen, to provide comfort, and to guide them towards help. 

Paul in Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." We are called to care for one another, especially in times of profound struggle and despair. If someone confides their suicidal thoughts to you, it's crucial to take them seriously. Encourage them to seek professional help, and ensure that they don't feel alone in their struggles.

Lastly, let's address the question that often haunts those left behind after a suicide: 'Is my loved one in hell?' The Bible is clear - God is the judge. We are not. And our God is a God of mercy, compassion, and understanding. He understands the depth of despair that leads someone to take their own life. He knows the complexities of mental illness. God is gracious and full of love.

As we finish today, I would like to remind everyone that we are all created in the image of God, with inherent value and worth. We are all essential parts of the body of Christ. If you are feeling suicidal, please reach out. Your life has immeasurable value.

And to all of us, let's strive to create an environment where people feel safe to share their struggles. Let us be compassionate listeners, loving friends, and supportive brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Let's close with Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forever more. Amen.