At Home – by Rudy Gray

Suicide is a chilling word. Those of us who minister to others may encounter people who are suicidal. This is a dangerous situation that requires both sensitivity and wisdom.

Rudy Gray

According to Norm Wright, about 10 percent of people who commit suicide do so for no apparent reason; 25 percent are mentally unstable; 40 percent commit suicide on impulse; and 25 percent commit suicide after thinking it through. About 80 percent of people who commit suicide have given indicators that suicide was in their plans, feelings and thoughts.

What can we do when we are faced with someone whom we suspect is suicidal? Intervention is obviously an important key. Referral to a trained professional is very often needed. Determining the difference between a cry for help is often seen in attempted suicide and suicidal tendencies can be a daunting task and one that usually requires keen insight, experience and specialized training.

There are some suicides recorded in scripture: Abimelech (Judges 9), Samson (Judges 16), Saul (1 Samuel 31), Saul’s armor bearer (1 Chronicles 10), Ahithopel (2 Samuel 17), Zimri (1 Kings 16) and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27).

Suicide is a tragedy. Unlike other problems we encounter in life, it is an exit from life that can never be repeated. If we can provide positive and helpful intervention, we should.

When we deal with a suicidal person, time is our friend. Listening with understanding is important. Connecting with the troubled person with genuine concern is critical.

We should take all threats of suicide seriously. Some people are suicidal. Others are crying out for help. In either case, we are dealing with a volatile situation that requires wisdom.

As Christians, we may very well feel inadequate when dealing with a suicidal person. A professional counselor may not always be readily accessible. We may need to be a helper. If we are placed in that precarious position, we should strive to provide the best kind of sensitive help in the most effective way. Our source of strength in such situations is God’s Spirit, and our care for the person in need is our opportunity to serve God and someone in need.