Understanding Suicide
A suicidal person often feels they have exhausted all possible options. Life appears meaningless, hopeless, and void of purpose. With overwhelming despair and the belief that nothing will ever improve, they may conclude that death is the only escape.
These individuals are often deeply depressed, burdened by unworthiness, guilt, failure, or a desire for punishment. Contributing factors may include anger, jealousy, fear, unresolved guilt, substance abuse, sexual sin, or past trauma. Many of these issues are longstanding and rooted in childhood, often requiring long-term professional care from a Christian counselor or psychiatrist.
Some people mention suicide to express deep pain or seek sympathy. Others are in immediate danger and may have already formed a plan. Both types of cries for help should be taken seriously.
Though you may feel unqualified to help, remember: your strength and wisdom come from the Lord. He desires to use you as a vessel of His love, hope, and truth. Trust in His promises:
  • “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)
  • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God... and it will be given to him” (James 1:5)
Practical Ministry
When interacting with someone who may be suicidal, your two primary goals should be:
  1. Assess their immediate safety
  2. Ensure they are not alone
Immediate Action Steps:
  • Encourage them to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
  • Connect them with a pastor and/or counselor as soon as possible.
Helping the Suicidal Non-Christian
Early in the conversation—without alarming them—assess whether the person is in immediate danger. Have they taken pills? Do they have access to a weapon? As trust builds, gently collect key details: location, nearby family, any church or pastor involvement in the situation, if they have a counselor or therapist, etc. Ask casually and respectfully.
Let them do most of the talking. Be patient. Ask open-ended questions:
  • “Tell me more about that.”
  • “What has led you to that conclusion?”
Avoid minimizing their pain. If they say, “Life isn’t worth living,” accept that it feels that way to them. Refrain from dismissive phrases like, “It can’t be that bad” or “You’re stronger than this.”
Offer genuine hope:
  • Affirm that they matter and have taken the right step by reaching out.
  • Share that God deeply cares and offers forgiveness, comfort, and a new start through Jesus Christ.
  • Highlight that Jesus knows what suffering feels like—He was betrayed, rejected, and crucified.
  • Invite them to hear Christ’s invitation:
    • “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
If they are open, explain the hope they can have in Jesus. Walk them through the gospel and the opportunity for new life.
If they receive Christ:
  • Offer assurance of His transforming power:
    “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Encourage prayer and the comfort it brings:
    • “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7)
      “Do not be anxious... but in everything, by prayer... present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Helping the Suicidal Christian
Christians are not immune to suicidal thoughts. A believer may struggle due to unresolved sin, grief, trauma, physical illness, divorce, job loss, or depression.
As with others, begin by assessing risk. Ask about any harmful substances or weapons. Gently gather essential contact info and assess who else is involved in their life spiritually and relationally.
Share biblical truths to ground them:
  • “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
  • “To all who received Him... He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
  • “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”(Proverbs 28:13)
  • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful... to forgive.” (1 John 1:9)
Encourage the believer to fix their eyes on Christ rather than on their present crisis (Matthew 14:27–32). Invite them to deepen their walk through:
  • Scripture reading and meditation
  • Daily prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6–7)
  • Commit to connecting with the church and your group for support and healing community
If you're texting or on a phone call, offer to go to them if they are alone.  Ask if they would like a follow-up call in a day or two and make sure that follow-up actually happens—inform a pastor or your group coach for accountability.
Emergency Resource
📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Available 24/7 for immediate, confidential support.
Key Scriptures
  • Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord completely
  • Matthew 11:28 — Come to Me for rest
  • Matthew 14:27–32 — Peter walking to Jesus in the storm
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 — New creation in Christ
  • Philippians 4:6–7 — Peace that surpasses understanding
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — Pray continually
  • 1 Peter 5:7 — Cast your cares on Him