A Son’s Suicide

The son of friends just committed suicide this week and I have no idea how to console them. They were so hopeful that he would eventually come to know the Lord and then this tragedy happened. Is there anything at all in the Bible that could give them any hope for his soul?

Q. The son of friends just committed suicide this week and I have no idea how to console them.

Their son hung himself on Monday and lived until yesterday when they took him off life support. They were so hopeful that he would eventually come to know the Lord and then this tragedy happened.

Is there anything at all in the Bible that could give them any hope for his soul? Anything you could offer would be of great help at this horrible time.

A. One of the most difficult things we face in life is trying to console our loved ones in a tragedy like this where the deceased is apparently not saved. Unfortunately, the Bible does not offer any help here. Hebrews 9:27 states that man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. Deciding whether or not to accept the Lord’s pardon for one’s sins is the over riding purpose of our lives, and failing to accept constitutes rejection.

But I can say this with assurance.  “Ask and you shall receive,” the Lord promised. Even if your friend’s son literally asked for forgiveness with his last breath, he will have received it. That’s the message from the thief on the cross who died moments after recognizing Jesus as his Lord and was promised a place in paradise.

Just because no one witnesses a dying man’s confession, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. It’s a matter between the person and the Lord, and an impending death, even at one’s own hand can prompt remarkable insight. If I were in your position, I would hold out this hope in consoling a friend, and pray that the Lord would bring them peace about it.

I would also suggest that you pray for all those acquainted with this tragedy who haven’t made their own choice about salvation that the lesson not be wasted.