Topic: What the New Testament Teaches About Suicide, Depression, and Helping Others
Opening Story
In 2008, a woman named Erica Blasberg was one of the rising stars of the LPGA golf tour. She had talent, endorsements, and what looked like a picture-perfect life on the outside. But behind the scenes, she struggled with deep loneliness and depression. In 2010, at only 25 years old, she took her own life.
What made it even more shocking to those who knew her was that no one realized just how much she was hurting. Her smile masked her pain. Her friends and family later said they wished they had seen the signs, that they had asked more questions, that they had done something sooner.
Stories like Erica’s are heartbreaking—and sadly, they are not rare. Even among believers, depression and suicidal thoughts are real battles. Many people suffer silently, unsure if they can talk about it, unsure if their faith community will understand.
Today, we’re going to ask two important questions:
- What does the New Testament actually say about suicide and depression?
- How can we help the hurting around us before it’s too late?
Part One: What the New Testament Teaches About Suicide and Depression
First, it’s important to note:
The New Testament does not directly mention the word “suicide” or tell a story of a Christian believer who commits suicide. However, it does speak clearly about life, suffering, hope, and how we should treat those who are hurting.
Let’s look at the facts.
1. Life is Sacred
In the New Testament, life is seen as a gift from God.
Acts 17:25 (MEV) says:
“Nor is He served by men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath and all things.”
John 10:10 (MEV) says:
“The thief does not come except to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Jesus is clear: He came to bring life, not death. Life is a sacred gift, and suicide cuts short what God has given.
2. Suffering is Real, but Hope is Greater
The New Testament doesn’t deny suffering—it confronts it honestly.
2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (MEV) says:
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Even the Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, admitted feeling perplexed and cast down. But notice the key: not in despair.
In Christ, even the deepest suffering is not hopeless.
3. Depression Can Be a Spiritual Battle
Paul described deep emotional struggles.
2 Corinthians 1:8 (MEV) says:
“For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were pressed out of measure, beyond strength, so much that we despaired even of life.”
Paul says plainly: there were times he despaired even of life. That is depression in biblical terms.
But what happened next?
He points to his hope:
2 Corinthians 1:9 (MEV) says:
“Indeed, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.”
When Paul felt he couldn’t go on, he clung to the truth that God raises the dead—even from spiritual death, emotional death, and the brink of giving up.
4. Suicide Is Not an Unforgivable Sin
Some wrongly teach that suicide automatically sends a person to hell.
The Bible never says that. Salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not on whether someone dies by suicide or not.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (MEV) says:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one should boast.”
Salvation is a gift by grace—not by works, and not by failure. Suicide is a tragedy, not an automatic condemnation.
Part Two: How Can We Help Those Around Us Who Are Suffering?
Knowing the truth is not enough. God calls us to action.
1. Notice the Signs
People rarely say outright, “I am suicidal.”
They say things like:
- “I just can’t do this anymore.”
- “It would be better if I wasn’t here.”
- “I’m tired of life.”
In Philippians 2:4 (MEV), Paul tells us:
“Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
We are commanded to pay attention to others, not just ourselves.
2. Be Willing to Step Into Their Pain
Many avoid hurting people because it’s uncomfortable. But Jesus didn’t avoid the broken—He went straight to them.
Galatians 6:2 (MEV) says:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
We are literally called to carry the weight alongside them—not to fix it, but to walk with them.
Sometimes helping someone is as simple as saying, “I see you. You matter. I’m not going anywhere.”
3. Speak Hope, Not Shame
Hurting people do not need lectures. They need hope.
Romans 15:13 (MEV) says:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Bring hope. Remind them of God’s love, even when they can’t feel it.
Tell them their life has purpose, even if right now, they can’t see it.
4. Pray and Get Practical Help
Prayer is powerful, but faith without works is dead (James 2:17 MEV).
Sometimes helping someone means:
- Calling a counselor with them
- Sitting with them through a hard night
- Checking in daily
- Encouraging them to get medical care if needed
You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to love them enough to help them live one more day.
Closing Challenge
If someone you know is struggling, don’t wait.
Don’t assume they’ll “get better” on their own.
Speak life. Be present. Be hope.
And if you are the one struggling: your story isn’t over yet.
God’s grace is bigger than today’s pain.
Closing Prayer
“Father,
You are the God of life and hope.
For every heart that feels crushed, breathe life.
For every mind clouded by despair, shine Your light.
Use us to be Your hands and Your voice to those who need You.
Teach us to notice, to listen, to love.
Remind those who are hurting that they are not forgotten, not abandoned, not beyond help.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”