TUESDAY October 29, 2019

The Subject of Suicide

Then Saul said to his armorbearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me.” But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it. And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword, and died with him. So Saul, his three sons, his armorbearer, and all his men died together that same day.
1 Samuel 31:4-6

The Philistines had severely wounded Saul in battle. He did not want to be fall into the hands of his enemies and be tortured, so he asked his armorbearer to kill him, but he would not do it. Saul attempted to commit suicide––but we shall see later that he failed (2 Samuel 1:7-10).

The Scriptures do not give permission for a person to commit suicide. As a matter of fact, the Scriptures are silent on the subject. However, there are people mentioned in the Bible who have committed suicide, such as Judas, who betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16).

As we are living in a time of great oppression and depression, suicide is prevalent. Understand, God gives life and God takes away life (Job 1:20-22). A person should not take their life because it is not their decision to make. I feel that to commit suicide is a selfish act. If a person commits suicide, they leave behind people who will carry tremendous grief and confusion.

God never leads a person to commit suicide. The Scriptures clearly tell us God will never allow anything in your life to destroy you. God always makes a way of escape so you can bear the temptation or a trial of life (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Lord is able to release you from any oppression or depression. David was delivered out of all his problems. Read the Psalms; you will find the Lord is your refuge!

People may ask, “What happens to those who commit suicide?” The Scripture is silent, so I must be silent. I do not know. But I would not want anyone to take a chance.

The thief [Satan] does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
~John 10:10~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!