By Bishop Moses Simpungwe
The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4–6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armor-bearer—nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death (Judges 16:26–31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself.
The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is—self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15).
God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life.
Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jonah 4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).
However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Therefore, I consider suicide as a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin—it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine a person’s eternal destiny. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide victim do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today (Psalm 67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). No matter the pressure or challenges you are facing,don’t kill yourself, nothing is permanent in this life.
If you are considering suicide, please seek help now. WhatsApp me on 0975254962 for counseling. I will be glad to help.(Got questions)
Shalom.
When seemingly intelligent people say things that don’t make sense. You consider suicide a sin???
Killing unborn baby is worse than suicide because the sin is two foldfold in that life is rejected and that a decision to reject that life is made without the concert of the defenseless unborn baby. ABORTION IS A SIN.
Meanwhile hh is sending acc to harrass innocent old people like my father chikwanda who suffered stroke. Should he die his blood is on hh. Remember he is royalty and if you kill royalty you will die like a chicken.
These deaths are only happening under upnd why? Young people taking their lives because life under upnd is tough
Thou shalt not judge.
“When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said ‘Let us pray.’ We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.” Desmond Tutu
He quotes a few verses and smugly makes a declaration. Ndiye cimene ninawasula wamene ma bishopo. The matters are more than what your scriptures say sir.
There are issues that need trained psychologists, suicide is caused by depression. Depression is a mental issue, not a spiritual one.
Theologians DO NOT have the ability to handle suicide or suicidal persons. This is similar to pastors statements that they can cure illnesses. Illnesses should be left to be handled by doctors.
One could be going through a tough time. Meanwhile the bishop will be encouraging him to trust in the Lord…. the bishop has full tummy, full fridge, full fuel tank, full wallet. All filled by the suffering congregation. And people expect the suffering man to withstand the pressures of bringing up his children, a nagging wife, a church that is constantly pestering him over tithing. It’s not easy.
KZ GET OVER YOUR RESOUNDING LOSE
THERE IS MORE BLOOD ON PF HANDS
CHIKWANDA IS AN OLD MAN NOW AND HIS TIME LIKE MILLIONS OF OTHERS HAS TO COME TO AN END EVENTUALLY
ITS THE WAY LIFE IS
SO STOP BLAMING OTHERS IWE
Well said #9 Tikki and thanks for attacking that stinky troll from Chibolya slums. Suicide is good if it can rid Zambia of such evil people like him.
Did judas commit sin or shouldn’t suicide be justified by God as a remedy to terminal sin?