Suicide occurs when a person kills him or herself, s/he is said to have committed suicide. If a person tries to kill themselves, then that person has attempted suicide. Meanwhile, the suicidal act is a sin.
How can one identify individuals who may be suicidal?
Individuals who are suicidal exhibit certain signs. Nevertheless, many people only become aware of these signs when it is too late. In his article on Suicide and Depression, Kelvin Caruiso noted that depression is the leading cause of suicide. Depression can be characterised as profound sadness.
This condition arises from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Caruso asserts that it is a treatable illness. According to Caruso, the following are signs of depression that, if present in someone’s life, should prompt immediate help-seeking:
• Experiencing sadness for two weeks or longer
• Feeling a lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleeping and/or eating excessively or insufficiently
• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or helpless
• Exhibiting pessimistic thoughts
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities and/or withdrawing from social interactions
• Crying frequently
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Experiencing feelings of anger or guilt
• Struggling to think clearly or make decisions
Listen to spoken words.
The Bible states that words reflect the state of the heart. Jesus remarked, ‘…the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder… (Matthew 15: 18-19, NIV).
If an individual frequently discusses death or uses metaphorical language such as ‘Today you see me, tomorrow you may not’ or ‘You only appreciate things when they are absent,’ others need to remain vigilant.
Observe behaviours
If an individual engages in reckless behaviour, takes unnecessary risks, or acts carelessly, it is crucial to take notice.
Consider the situation and circumstances.
If someone is experiencing difficult times, it is important to be alert.
The Bible records five people who committed suicide. They are as follows:
1. Saul (1 Samuel 31:3-4)
Rather than become a prisoner of war (POW), Saul asked his armour bearer to kill him. The armour bearer was afraid and would not do it, so King Saul fell upon his sword, thus committing suicide. To Saul, death was better than allowing the Philistines to kill him and abuse his body
2. Saul’s armour bearer (1 Samuel 31:3-4)
This was a fallout of what happened to his master. Once Saul died, the armour bearer also decided to take his own life. The Yoruba would call him ‘aboobaku’, meaning a person who will die with the king. Though he was afraid to murder his boss, he murdered himself. (What reasons would you give for such an act?)
3. Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17: 14, 23)
This man was a wise counsellor who joined forces with Absalom, David’s rebellious son. He was a good man in the wrong team.
He gave Absalom good advice, but Absalom jettisoned it because he was doomed. When Ahithophel saw that his advice was not taken, he took his donkey, left for his hometown, put his house in order and hanged himself.
Could we say shame made him commit suicide? What did Ahithophel do before he killed himself? He put his house in order. Just imagine how disorderly his wife and children will be when they find his body dangling from where he hung himself?
4. Zimri (1 Kings 16:1-20)
Zimri may enter into the Guinness Book of Records for being the king of Israel for just seven days. He was a man with a bad reputation. He got Elah, the son Bof aasha, King of Israel, drunk, killed him and became king in his stead.
The people did not support Zimri, and so the army made Omri, King of Israel. As Zimri heard all that was happening, he went to the royal palace, set it on fire and died within the fire. What do you think made Zimri kill himself? Could it be fear? Could it be that his sins were about to be found out?
5. Judas (Matthew 27:3-10)
As one of the chosen twelve of Jesus, Judas walked, talked and lived with Jesus. However, he had character flaws which made him betray his master. He later regretted his action.
His suicidal note could be seen in his words, ‘I have sinned…for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ However, the chief priest gave a deaf ear, saying, ‘What is it to us?’
Judas had to throw the money into the temple and went away to hang himself. Judas possibly wrote a note to show the signs, but no one cared enough to read them and to help him.
Bible Verses for those thinking about Suicide
1. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matthew 11:28-30). In this case, Jesus calls everyone to come and lay all your troubles upon Him.
2. To kill yourself or even to attempt it is a crime. If you kill yourself, you will be a murderer. And God’s Word says, you shall not murder. This Bible text explains that we shall not attempt to kill ourselves in any form(Exodus 20:13; Deut. 5:7, NIV)
3. Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 outside are the dogs, those who practise magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practises falsehood’ (Revelation 22:14-15, NIV). Everyone should know that God will reward every work of the devil.
4. Take your problems to God and leave them there: Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you. Only Jesus has everything. Trust Him with all your heart; don’t think of any suicide.
5. Understand that you are not the only one suffering; others are also facing their own challenges: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings (1 Peter 5:7-9, NIV)
6. ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble in the world.’ But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33, NIV) You can understand how Jesus has overcome the world for you. You do not commit suicide. Read the similar post on this page.
