Q: If a person commits suicide, will that person, regardless of his or her faith, go to hell?

A: Nothing in scripture supports the position that suicide is an unforgivable sin, or that someone who commits suicide will automatically go to hell. If that were the case, then the Bible would have been specific about it. Jesus made it clear that only one sin is unforgivable, both in this world and the next, and that is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12: 31). To be clear, the Bible does condemn murder, and suicide is a form of murder, but even murder is forgivable.

Interestingly, the Bible gives us accounts of people who didn’t want to live. For example, Moses said to God, “I can’t carry these people by myself! The load is too heavy! I’d rather you killed me than treat me like this” (Numbers 11: 14-15). Of course, God didn’t kill Moses but rather encouraged and strengthened him. This should be the lesson for us. Christians and non-Christians alike who are having thoughts of suicide can be assured that God can help them through that temptation. The Bible gives us this promise:

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming too strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it (1 Corinthians 10: 13).

Here’s What Others are Experiencing.

Common mental health risk factors and warning signs specific to each of the disproportionately affected demographic groups:

1. Racial/Ethnic Minorities

• Risk factors:
  • Inaccessibility of high-quality mental health care services
  • Cultural stigma surrounding mental health care
  • Discrimination
  • Lack of awareness about mental health
• Warning signs:
  • Increased stress related to stigma and discrimination
  • Higher rates of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety
  • Limited access to mental health services and treatment

2. LGBTQ+ Individuals

• Risk factors:
  • Stigma and discrimination
  • Lack of acceptance and support from family and community
  • Higher rates of trauma and adverse childhood experiences
• Warning signs:
  • Increased risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety
  • Higher rates of substance use and suicidal ideation
  • Difficulty finding accepting and affirming mental health providers

3. Native Populations

• Risk factors:
  • Historical trauma and intergenerational trauma
  • Limited access to mental health services and treatment
  • Cultural and linguistic barriers
• Warning signs:
  • Higher rates of mental health problems, such as depression and substance use disorders
  • Increased risk of suicide and self-harm
  • Difficulty accessing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed mental health services

5. Adolescents (10-19 years old)

• Risk factors:
  • Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse and neglect
  • Social and environmental factors, including peer pressure and bullying
  • Biological factors, including hormonal changes and brain development
• Warning signs:
  • Increased risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety
  • Higher rates of substance use and suicidal ideation
  • Difficulty recognizing and seeking help for mental health issues due to stigma and lack of awareness

6. Low-Income and Marginalized Communities

• Risk factors:
  • Poverty and financial insecurity
  • Limited access to resources, including food, housing, and healthcare
  • Discrimination and lack of social support
• Warning signs:
  • Higher rates of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety
  • Increased risk of substance use and suicide
  • Difficulty accessing mental health services due to limited availability and affordability

7. Individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)

• Risk factors:
  • Biological factors, including genetic predisposition
  • Environmental factors, including trauma and stress
  • Lack of access to effective treatment and support
• Warning signs:
  • Increased risk of co-occurring medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease
  • Higher rates of substance use and suicidal ideation
  • Difficulty managing daily living activities and maintaining independence

It is essential to recognize that these risk factors and warning signs may vary across individuals and communities, and that cultural and socioeconomic factors can influence the presentation and experience of mental health issues. Mental health professionals and service providers should be aware of these disparities and strive to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care to address the unique needs of each demographic group.

Please be particularly sensitive to the issues these people face. If you have thoughts of suicide, and you haven’t already done so, now is the time to seek professional help.

If you found this post interesting, inspiring, informative, or useful, please follow us and share.  Many more posts to feed your soul can be found on the Navigation Menu.  God bless you.

Reference:

Bible Answers 101 by Bickel & Jantz