Is there a place for the church in the lives of those with mental illness? What should the role of the church be, if any? How should the church look at suicide and those with suicidal tendencies? There is a popular belief that suicide is an unpardonable sin and those that commit it are destined for Hell. Is this biblical and how should we minister to those wanting to commit suicide and/or to those who have lost a loved one to suicide?
When most of us think of mental illness the usual thought that comes to mind is depression. Yet, the term mental illness covers a broad spectrum of mental disorders, particularly- depression, anxiety orders, psychotic disorders, substance disorders, eating disorders, dementia, and on and on it goes. Any of which could lead one to the point where suicide may seem to be a reasonable option for relief from such ailments. So, to try and narrow mental illness down to just one disorder is impossible.
As stated in the post on “Addiction,” I will first say that I think the church is a perfect place for those with any threatening disorder. Albeit, therapy is highly recommended, and I pray that if you or someone you know is suffering from any of the afflictions associated with mental illness that you seek professional help. It is my position that the church should be readily available to help any and all who are in need, despite the cause. Because helping others in need displays that the love of God is within us, as Paul states in Philippians 2:4-5, “4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”[1]
The church’s role in the life of the sufferer is to display the characteristics of God. If the church claims to be the “hands and feet” of God then it should, likewise, put the character of God into action. Jesus made this very statement to the Pharisees in Matthew 9:13, “…I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” It is the desire of our Lord that we show the same mercy and compassion that He displayed during His earthly ministry, selfless love.
As for how the church should look at suicide and those with suicidal tendencies, well, that is a two-part response. First, I will state that the act of suicide itself should not be condoned or even considered as a possible option, because the act of suicide is an offense to God. Particularly, because each man and woman are made in the likeness of God and is an image-bearer of our Creator (Genesis 1:26,27). Secondly, and this should be obvious considering what I have previously stated, but those with suicidal tendencies should be looked at through the eyes of our Lord. They should be seen as those in dire need and should not be looked down upon. They should be lifted up to the Lord in prayer and helped by any means available.
In closing, let me give part of a conversation that was given to me when my family was affected by suicide. I asked my pastor for advice on this subject of suicide being an unpardonable sin, and his insight really helped me. He started by asking me if there was a limit to God’s grace. Honestly, I had never considered that. Then he said, let’s say someone decided to commit suicide and in the process of the act changed their mind. If they had already jumped off the building and changed their mind on the way down and asked God for forgiveness, would He not forgive them? I think He would, in fact, Romans 10:13 states that He will, “13 For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[2] Again, what if they were a believer who became sick with a mental illness, such as depression, that distorted their minds to the point were suicide seemed like the only way for relief. Would God withdraw His grace because of what had transpired? The answer again is no, because God’s Word tells us that we have an advocate, an intercessor who makes appeal to God on our behalf- Hebrews 7:25, “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”[3]It should not be impossible to believe that there could be time in the dying moments to ask for forgiveness, although, we don’t want anyone to rely on that being an option. It also should not seem impossible for a believer to become mentally ill, because even Christians develop cancers and other diseases. Furthermore, it should be understood that there is no limit to God’s grace, Ephesians 2:7, speaks of “the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”[4] Grace covers our past, present, and future sins, and it is only those who have not placed their faith in Christ Jesus are unpardoned (John 3:18).
So, to conclude, I do not think that suicide is an unpardonable sin in every instance. Only in the instances where the offer of salvation through Christ was never accepted.
Blessings,
Pat
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Php 2:4–5). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 10:13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 7:25). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 2:7). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.