Why should I not commit suicide?

TL;DR:

Believers always have a reason to live because of the love and hope we have in Christ. Our lives are precious to the Lord, who has a unique purpose for each of us.

The Bible teaches that each of us is special because God created us in His image (Genesis 1:26). The Lord loves us and has a special purpose for our lives (Psalm 139:13–16; Ephesians 2:10). Even when we feel alone, we can reach out to God, who is personal and loving (Psalm 34:18). He is patient with us and is aware of even the minute details of our lives (2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 10:29–31). Another reason we should never take our own life is that it is a form of murder—self-murder (Exodus 20:13). As an image-bearer of God, our life is in His hands, not our own. Finally, the Bible shows that God’s love for us is so expansive that He sent His Son to die that we might live for eternity. Those considering suicide should think of Jesus’s love and sacrifice for us. Our lives are valuable to the Lord, and we have hope because of Him.

from the old testament

Human beings are image-bearers of God, so each life has value (Genesis 1:26).
The Lord has a plan and a purpose for each of His children (Psalm 139:13–16).
We can reach out to our loving Lord when we feel alone. The Psalmist writes, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
The sixth commandment forbids murder, which includes the murder of oneself (Exodus 20:13).

from the new testament

Those who consider suicide often do so because of the guilt of past sins. But when we accept Christ as Savior, we are born again into a new, joyful life in which our sins are wiped clean, and we are covered in Christ’s righteousness (John 3:3–8; 2 Corinthians 5:17–19).
People who consider suicide may feel as if their situation is hopeless, that it would be impossible to carry on. But as Jesus said, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Unlike impersonal, unfeeling pagan gods, the true God is personal and loving. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Jesus asserted this in Matthew: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31). God is always available to us through prayer, so we can reach out to Him when we feel alone (Psalm 46:1; 145:18).

implications for today

Princess Diana is quoted as saying that the “biggest disease the world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved.” Some people feel this so strongly that they don’t think life is worth living any longer, and they contemplate suicide.

Is this you? What if you knew there is One who loves you and wants the best for you? What if you knew that He loves you so much that He sacrificed His life for you? Wouldn’t you want to meet that person? You can, though He is the Lord, not a mere human being. He came to earth in the flesh to die for our transgressions. You can come to know Him through prayer and through the words He has left us in the Bible.

Your life is precious. Don’t throw it away, especially when the Lord can show you His purpose for your life. You’re not only loved; you’re needed as part of the global church. You can save your life and others’ lives by turning to Christ and sharing what you learn about Him with those in need.

There is hope. If you are considering suicide, please allow someone to help you now. Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline in the United States. Get to a hospital if you can. Call 911. Alert someone in your home, apartment, workplace, or wherever you are. Do whatever it takes to get help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE

Crisis Text Line: Text "GO" to 741741

To Write Love on Her Arms: http://twloha.com/find-help

Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

Need Him Global: https://needhim.org or start a chat here

Suicide hotlines are available in most countries: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

understand

Your life is valuable because you are made in God's image.
God offers hope and a future through Christ.
Taking your own life is a violation of God's command against murder and ignores the eternal value He has placed on your existence.

reflect

What thoughts or lies have made you question your worth, and how does God's truth speak into those feelings?
When you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, how can you remind yourself of the purpose and value God has placed on your life?
How can turning to God in prayer change how you face pain, loneliness, or guilt?

engage

How can we help one another recognize our God-given worth when life feels dark or discouraging?
What does it mean for someone to be created in God’s image, and how should that affect the way we treat ourselves and others?
How can we as believers better support those who feel hopeless or forgotten?