By Joan Mbabazi

Everyone has heard about people who died after strangling themselves, or through poison or even by throwing themselves from a tall building and die instantly.

It is all suicide and it is regarded as murder in the Bible.

Suicide starts from the mind when someone feels lonely with many addictions, disappointments, poverty, rejection, fear, failure, mental illness among others, if such a person is not helped earlier, they might decide to take their own lives.

Suicide is not a new thing and happened in the old days too. In 1Samuel 31:3-5, the Bible talks about how King Saul killed himself by falling on his sword after his army was defeated by the enemy.

We therefore ought to be strong regardless of the situation. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear you not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of the righteousness.”

We must feed our thoughts with the love of God, it does not matter whether everyone dislikes you, when God looks at you from Heaven, He gets pleased with you because He created you in His own image.

That feeling will make you stronger and you will not think about regretting why you were created. Romans 8:1-2 encourages us that there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus, who walk not after flesh but after the Spirit because the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the Law of sin and death.

You might not have a problem of suicide but you could be knowing someone who is always lonely with thoughts of taking away their lives, all they need is someone to love and encourage them, pray with them and share with them those things that they lack, you might save a soul.

However, if it’s you with suicide thoughts, that is the devil trying to divert you from God. Get hold of God and don’t let Him go. Romans 10:13 teaches, "For, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” You need salvation, let scriptures and prayers guide you but also get someone mature in spirit to pray for you and with you.

Do not stay in seclusion and avoid horror movies, but also be grateful for the gift of life. Mathew 6:33 urges us to seek first the kingdom and righteousness of God so that all these other things may be added unto us.

We should know that we have no authority to take away our lives at whatsoever moment even if we are burdened. It is only God that decides when it’s proper for us to die.

However, If you have tried to kill yourself once or twice, it is not too late to come to Him and repent as He forgives all sins. Psalm 67:1 says, "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us.”

We should therefore learn to open up to someone we trust, this can be a friend, spouse or parent, discuss with them about what hurts you, your emotions, religion, death and much more, this will help you feel relieved but also try to work on your spiritual growth, just like how a baby crawls first and then walks, that is how you ought to be in spirit with God, create a relationship with Him from step to step.