1 Corinthians 3:16-17:
"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple."
I sat down to study The Word tonight and had planned on going in one direction when our Father put something else on my heart. It isn't something I am an expert on, but even so I have to follow His lead and trust that this word will speak to someone.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the church at Corinth. In chapter 3 he says that he, "could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as carnal [people of the flesh] babes in Christ."
This strikes me as important. I recently wrote about how our flesh is separate from our spirit and I truly believe our flesh can misguide us.
Our flesh is what experiences this world we live in. It takes extra effort to experience the spiritual world and to commune with our Father. It's not an easy thing to do, but likewise isn't all that hard either. I'm left to realize not everyone is at that point in their lives where they hear from God. The pressure and stress of this world can often be overwhelming. It can feel so oppressive that we feel we can't possibly go on. We may know of the Father and His love or we may not. Even so, life can be a challenge. It can be hard. It can be hard to see past the sludge we live in and we may want to give up. We may want to find a way to end it. However, here is what I've learned in my own life: no matter what I may be going through, I've come to see that it is only for a time. The pain or the sludge doesn't last forever. I know it feels like it will, but experience has shown me that it doesn't. Even more so I have learned that if we can get past the present and look to the future we can see that our own trials may be there for a time just so we can relate to others. God has said He will never give us more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). In the midst of the crap, that is hard to believe. But what if you did believe it? What if instead of being consumed by the moment, you look at that moment as a time to learn. The lesson you learn could help someone else. If you take that perspective, you can immediately look upon the situation as something God is allowing you to go through so you can be used by Him. He wants to use you! You are His hands and feet.
So, the Bible doesn't specifically address suicide, but doesn't 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 give us some cause to think twice about it? Do you really want to take the risk? Suicide may end the Earthly pain, but what if it resulted in eternal pain in Hell? If you are already suffering, you certainly don't want more! And most certainly you don't want to trade your Earthly suffering for eternal Hell!
So, of course, God is also speaking to me about those we love who have gone through with it. Do we assume they are in Hell now? They may be, but I think we need to trust our mysterious Father and hope that in the last breath, our loved ones who committed suicide had a change of heart, that they in the last seconds realized their error and repented. I believe if that is the case, they were forgiven and are with our Father now. Because not one of us can know for certain how the last seconds of our lives will be, I encourage you to stop and take a breath and hang on for one more day. Things will turn around. God knows what you are going through and He has faith in you that you will trust in Him.
Brothers and sisters, I pray that if it is you this word is for, that you will not give up. I know it's hard. You're tired. You don't feel you can go on. But can you do me a favor and think for just a moment about whether that is your flesh speaking? Our flesh is weak and will want to quit. Listen to your heart. Listen to your spirit. I think you already know that suicide is not the answer. It may end one temporary pain, but it could also start a never ending torment in Hell. Is it worth the risk? Seek out a pastor or loved one and ask for help. Ask your Father in Heaven to guide you and show you His truth and purpose too.
There is much, much more to our eternal lives than the few fleeting moments on this Earth suggest their is.
I love you and our Father loves you! You are important and you are special!
Don't give up yet. Hang on for just one more day. I believe in you and I know our Father in Heaven does too.
Your brother in Christ our Savior, and our hope,
Ed
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