Frank Page, Ph.D.
Suicide is a devastating issue in our world today, yet has been an age-old tragedy for mankind. One can look back at history to see examples of suicide. Scripture records seven suicides: Abimelech, Samson, King Saul, Saul’s armor bearer, Ahithophel, Zimri, and Judas. Although Scripture does not give us any specific word about suicide, it does indicate that God is the giver of life and only He has the right to take it away. We need to follow the biblical principles that
God has a great plan for our lives; the solution to despair and hopelessness is faith in Him; and though trouble continues in life, the Lord will never leave us. Our Christian response to suicide needs to be one of confronting bad theology and thinking; encouraging people against using trite statements and, instead, urging good theology and practices; and practicing the ministry of presence. Ultimately, we can trust the Lord and know His love is powerful.