#47 Suicide And Fear of Hell
What to do when the only thing stopping you from committing suicide is the fear of hell?
This question was recently posed by a fellow brother in Christ at a men’s Bible study. It is a deeply challenging question, yet one that dissolves when confronted with simple truths. The man who voiced this struggle suffers from severe physical impairments that make it difficult for him to work or fit into society. His question stems from a place of self-worth. What he is truly asking is, "Do I have a purpose?" For many men, this sense of purpose is often tied to their work. Later in the discussion, he shared that he has felt a calling from a young age to share his faith.
This question presupposes that God is real and that the Bible is true. Thus, it must be answered from God’s Word. This is a crisis of identity, purpose, and the need to feel valued. What does the Bible say about our identity? “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27, NASB). If your identity is rooted in being made in God’s likeness, this is what gives your life value.
Next is purpose. “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NASB). This indicates that our purpose is to glorify God. Our actions must align with God’s will for our lives. Our highest calling is to glorify God. Suicide does not bring Him glory, but living through pain can be a powerful testimony to God’s glory. Psalm 86:12 echoes this: “I will give thanks to You, Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forever” (NASB). When we fulfill our true purpose, everything else pales in comparison. This is our true purpose and the answer to this profound question.
Regarding the feeling of being needed, if God is your Creator, as it is written, “For You created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:13-14, NASB). Even if all others scorn us and even if we despise ourselves, we can be certain that God created us, loves us, and we are not alone in our struggles. I often ask God how I can honor Him and fulfill my purpose on earth, especially being called to ministry. In my mind, I think, if through me, God saves just one soul, it will be worth it. Yet God, as a loving Father, looks at me and says, “If I can know just you, it will have been worth it.”
Taking another perspective, suicidal ideation is a form of selfishness and hopelessness that implies God cannot save us or does not love us. So we must ask, what does God say about me? How can my life be a part of God’s will? And how does God feel about my pain and suffering?
How does God feel about me? “Or what person is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:9-11, NASB). God is a good Father.
Your life is a part of God’s will. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, NASB).
Finally, how does God feel about your suffering? “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NASB). God is near; He has wrapped you in His arms. He cares, and you are not alone. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (NASB).
In conclusion, when the fear of hell is the only thing preventing suicide, it’s crucial to understand the depth of God’s love and purpose for you. The Bible offers hope and reassurance that God’s grace is sufficient for all our struggles. By turning to scripture, seeking help from others, and engaging turning to God, those battling suicidal thoughts can find comfort and hope. Your life is valuable and precious to God. He has plans for you, even in your darkest moments. Reach out for help, lean on your faith, and trust in God’s promise of love and redemption. You are not alone, and there is hope and healing available through Jesus Christ.
