It Was Not Suicide

By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him.

1 John 4:9 (NASB)

During a conference on what the Bible says about suicide, the audience agreed on one point: God always condemns those who commit suicide. I cited several biblical examples of suicide, including that of Saul, to explain that God was not with them. But a young woman, sitting at the back of the room, exclaimed, "You ignored Samson!" The entire audience nodded in agreement. It was impossible to refute this argument without quoting Jesus' words in John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

While everyone expected me to focus solely on God's condemnation of suicide, I used the example of Samson to introduce another perspective: forgiveness is possible even after suicide. They had never understood that what they called Samson's suicide was a choice, inspired by God, an act of sacrifice for his people. This was, in reality, a foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. If we consider history without taking God's plan into account, we could just as easily say that Jesus' death was suicide.

Some of our actions, which others might call self-destructive, sometimes demonstrate our love for others. When Jesus surrendered to the Roman soldiers, he demonstrated God's love and his willingness to grant us eternal life, guaranteed only through sacrifice. Sometimes, accepting suffering for others is proof of Christ's love through us. As much as you have the opportunity, do good to those around you, even if it involves temporary suffering. For God will reward you.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.