Church Weekly
06 Nov 2022

CHURCH WEEKLY

 LIFE AND SUICIDE EXODUS 20:13

From the Board of Elders

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                      

 Life and Suicide

 “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13

Should a Christian contemplate suicide? Suicide is killing. The answer is a definite “No” as it breaks the 6th Commandment of “Thou shalt not kill” embedded in the Mosaic Law (cf. Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17). God prohibits killing of man as man is God’s special and unique creation. Man is created in the image of God. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.Genesis 1:27.

Taking life: No man can take another man’s life, even his own, as life itself is from God. Thus, the acts of murder and suicide are sins against God. The Bible specifically warnsWhoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. Genesis 9:6. This is the sanctity of human life. Only the Creator Himself can take away the life of a man if He so wills. “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.Job 1:21b.

As believers in Christ, we know that our physical bodies are not our own but of God. God dwells in us and we are the temple of the Holy Ghost. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19. Therefore, we must respect and treat our bodies well so that our bodies are pure, strong and healthy to live and serve God for His glory. We are not to neglect, ignore, inflict wounds or to tattoo our bodies. Henceforth, when we are weak, sick or afflicted by pains we are to pray to God for His mercy to restore our bodies and at the same time seek medical assistance for healing when required. No Christian should ever contemplate suicide as a way to deal, end or resolve his physical or mental afflictions.

Euthanasia: In the same vein, no Christian should encourage, provide assistance, help or even suggest to himself/herself or another person to terminate his/her own life. Euthanasia or assisted death is forbidden even in the situation of terminal illnesses or incapacitated by disease or trauma.

Abortion: According to the Scripture, before we were even born, in the mothers’ wombs, God already knows each one of us. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 (cf. Psalm 139:16, Isaiah 49:1,5 Galatians 1:15). Life exists in the mother’s womb the moment conception takes place! Thus, the commandment of “thou shalt not kill” applies i.e. no abortion is permitted. Christians, please take heed and be forewarned.

I am sick but there is no need for me to seek medical attention: “… he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Matthew 9:12.

The Lord Jesus said that those who are sick should seek medical attention for the purpose of healing. Luke, the writer of the Book of Luke and Acts was a physician (cf. Colossians 4:14. The word “physician” means “medical doctor”). Luke was with the Apostle Paul on Paul’s missionary journeys. We can safely say that Luke would have given much medical attention and care to the Apostle during the missionary trips. Paul himself also advised young Timothy to seek treatment when Timothy had an afflicted stomach and frequent infirmities (cf. 1 Timothy 5:23).

“… Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up …” James 5:14-15.

Prayers for healing is important as well as we seek medical care. Therefore, as a Christian prays for health restoration, he/she should also seek medical care and treatment when he/she is sick. He/She should not just “do nothing”. Yes, God is the great physician. He can restore. God gives us medical doctors to care for us as well.  

Contemplating Suicide: Fear is one of the greatest reasons in breeding suicidal thought. Man fears the unknown and the imagination of life’s issues and challenges like terminal illness, problematic human relationship, financial debts or hidden sins with fears of being found out and the punishment thereof etc. There are worries, depressions and darkness. Suicidal contemplation is from the devil.

The Bible has many instructions for Christians to overcome evil thoughts and to manage life’s issues and challenges including suicidal tendency. God is merciful and full of grace if man turns to Him for help. The following Bible verses will comfort and strengthen such a man. Turn to Him, He will deliver, keep and sustain you. Let us not yield to the temptations and the wiles of the devils. Evil and suicidal thoughts will dim and finally perish when we have victory in Christ and our faith is strong!

1. Know that God never leave nor forsake you

  • I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; (Psalms 23:4b).
  • Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27).
  • I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5c).
  • lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20b).

2.Casting all your trouble and cares to Him

  • Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7).
  • Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).

3. Let your mind dwell on righteous thoughts

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9.

Conclusion: Seek God and call upon Him. Our God will give you new hope and life. This is the assurance and promise of the Lord Jesus Christ. God is love. God is good. God cares. Let your mind dwell richly in God and not the things of the world where fear, sorrow, pain, uncertainty and the demons reign.

Seek the fellowship of believers. Share your burdens with the Pastor, Elders and fellow brethren. Pray together. Pray without ceasing. Surely God’s wisdom and blessings will be upon all and those who are afflicted when they seek Him with hearts of expectation and faith. God is always available 24/7 to hear His children’s cries. God hears and delivers His faithful children according to His own wise counsel and will. In all things give thanks. Amen.

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng