Why Suicide Is Not the OptionSample

No misunderstanding is worth your life

Misunderstandings can cause anything from minor harm to severe damage, depending on various factors. It can cause strained relationships, unexpected results and can be disastrous in certain cases.

Paul, writing to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:7), says, rather emphatically that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind. A sound mind is a strong defense and a critical factor for avoiding several unpleasant situations and saving our lives in many ways.

In Acts 16:25-26 we see Paul and Silas were in prison. As they were praying and singing in the dead of the night, an earthquake struck and the doors flew open. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.

Just a thought and he was getting ready to kill himself

The Roman army perhaps had very strict punishment for dereliction of duty, and he may have had every reason to dread what could come his way had the prisoners escaped. However, we see here that God intervened at this stage. Thanks to Paul and Silas, who knew what the jailer was about to do despite the darkness. And Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"

Be a Paul

When I think of this situation, I'm so thankful to God for Paul who, in spite of being hurt himself, was eager to stop someone from hurting. This is a God-induced quality. 2 Corinthians 1: 3,4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. By doing this, not only did Paul save a person from dying; he actually led him into eternal life along with his whole family (Acts 16:31-34).

How many people are out there harming themselves because of a single mistaken notion or a wrong thought? Many. But how many people are there trying to empathize with them and dissuade them from harming themselves? Very few.

Today, you can ask God to make you that one person who can make all the difference between life and death. A life that is better and more meaningful than before, with the promise of eternal life for himself and his household.

Reflection

1. I can let my friends know that if they ever need someone to talk to, I'm available.

2. I can ask God to put me in a place where I am approachable and be of help.

3. I can claim the promise of God who wants to make me a channel of blessing.

4. By being available to someone in need, I have the opportunity of leading them into salvation

In case you have been experiencing rejection by someone who seemed close to you all the time, remember that no one can be closer to us than God; no one can love us more than God does. If you have been through such experiences and would like to talk to someone, call Ananth Jeevan at +919063533826