Discussing Suicide: Who has the right to take a life?

Dear Chaplain: I have a simple question. Why is suicide so wrong? If a person wants to take his or her own life, isn’t it theirs to take? If they want to suffer the consequences from God, it’s not anybody else’s business.

— Signed, Why is Suicide Such a Sin Dear Why is Suicide

Such a Sin: Thank you so much for your question. Suicide is taking one’s own life or murdering one’s self. People who commit suicide usually feel they can no longer cope and try to escape by ending their lives. Often, these people are: depressed; lonely; extremely sick; have bad financial issues; relationship troubles; battle addictions; or suffer from mental health issues. Suicide is spiritually wrong because only God gives life, and therefore only God has the right to take it away (Job 1:21; Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6). We are not our own. We are God’s creation and it is his breath that gives us life (Ephesians 2:10; Job 33:4).

Before we were in our mother’s womb, God appointed us a time to be born and a time to die (Jeremiah 1:5; Ecclesiastes 3:2). And each of us has to give an answer to God for the deeds done in our bodies (2 Corinthians 5:10). And I don’t think any of us will ever be prepared to stand before the King of Kings and give an account for the words we’ve said and things we’ve done, let alone self-murder.

As followers of Christ, we shouldn’t look down on anyone, let alone someone who’s struggling to cope or finding it difficult to live at peace with themselves or God. Instead, we should offer a listening ear, suggest these people reach out to their faith communities or provide them with information on how to get professional help from agencies such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). They are a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week service, that can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Ask the Chaplain is written by Rev. Dayna Spence, an ordained minister, licensed evangelist, and chaplain who’s served as a hospital chaplain and is currently serving as a hospice chaplain Chester County area. Please email “Ask the Chaplain” at 4thechaplain@gmail.com or write to, PO Box 1284, West Chester, PA 19380.