by Karen I Livingston

Created on: June 26, 2008

At no time is there an acceptable reason for suicide. The world is full of people who have mental disorders, are wasting their lives away on addictions, at the bottom of the well of depression, in abusive relationships which are robbing them of self worth; the list of reasons as to why someone chooses suicide goes on and on, but reality may be harder for some to accept than the reasons for suicide. Getting hung up on whether or not suicide is ever justified only serves to obstruct compassion and close the mind to understanding. Unfortunately, many on the brink of suicide are not aware that it is possible to overcome the hopelessness they are experiencing that has lead them to the point where they believe suicide to be the only out.

What's at the core of the decision to commit suicide? Is it selfishness? I hesitate to say yes, because that would blanket every case the same. Though based on human nature, I believe selfishness is probably the root more often than not. Often a person wallowing in selfishness has not matured to the point of understanding that they are indeed selfish. If they are aware of their selfishness they are still immature, in that they refuse to move beyond this point. Much like a small child who knows they are not to throw a tantrum to get what they want, but does so anyway. Their objective is self. Evaluating their logic that places suicide at a justifiable end would translate as follows: They are only a victim and victims need to be rescued because victims are helpless and since no one is doing the rescuing their choice of suicide is a reasonable escape from their predicament. "Just end it and its over. No more pain." Or, "Then they'll care. Then they'll be sorry they didn't love me."

Lack of mental maturity due to a mental disorder is often times a huge factor in choosing suicide. Many mental disorders are characterized (not limited to) wherein a person regresses (returns to an earlier stage of maturity) because they have not gained the skills in which they may cope in a sensibly mature manner. The reasons for this vary and the degree by which it affects the individual may affect their ability to fully understand their responsibility to become a mature person. It may, in some cases, limit their capacity.

For young teens, inescapable ignorance may be the road sign where suicide is posted. It's the only conclusion they draw based on their limited knowledge and resources. It renders them helpless and separates them from recovery and victory over the hopelessness that paralyzes them. For a teenager whose life has been spent under the oppression of circumstances which they do not have control over, plus immaturity that may be a result or at least intensified because of this scenario, suicide becomes a way to "Take care of themselves, because nobody else gives a rip."

The reasons for suicide are obvious, but reasons are not a means of justification. Suicide fits into a bigger reality, of which we are all a part of. We live in a dying world full of dying people. Death is justified by our sin. It is a sentence handed down by a just God; the Creator of all mankind. He has the right. Amazingly though, at the same time He offers grace through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only One who has the power to release us from the sentence. So, whether it's a life ended by the choice of suicide born out of selfishness or a life absent the lordship of Jesus Christ, both result in death; neither bring escape from the eternal punishment that awaits all who are not found in Christ.

Compassion should move us to reach out and help those who are in need. Only Jesus Christ can give true victory over death. Suicide is not justifiable. It is a poignant ruse that cheats all who partake.

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