Regarding Suicide

ihatecf

New member
very interesting topic. i totally agree with faust it shouldnt be suicide at all. I dont care about how society labels it but I want to know God's perspective on the issue. If a person is dying few months more or even a year dont make much difference except adding to his pain and humiliation. The quantity of life of life doesnt matter but rather the quality so if the quality is gone what shall we fight for?
 

ihatecf

New member
very interesting topic. i totally agree with faust it shouldnt be suicide at all. I dont care about how society labels it but I want to know God's perspective on the issue. If a person is dying few months more or even a year dont make much difference except adding to his pain and humiliation. The quantity of life of life doesnt matter but rather the quality so if the quality is gone what shall we fight for?
 

ihatecf

New member
very interesting topic. i totally agree with faust it shouldnt be suicide at all. I dont care about how society labels it but I want to know God's perspective on the issue. If a person is dying few months more or even a year dont make much difference except adding to his pain and humiliation. The quantity of life of life doesnt matter but rather the quality so if the quality is gone what shall we fight for?
 

ihatecf

New member
very interesting topic. i totally agree with faust it shouldnt be suicide at all. I dont care about how society labels it but I want to know God's perspective on the issue. If a person is dying few months more or even a year dont make much difference except adding to his pain and humiliation. The quantity of life of life doesnt matter but rather the quality so if the quality is gone what shall we fight for?
 

ihatecf

New member
very interesting topic. i totally agree with faust it shouldnt be suicide at all. I dont care about how society labels it but I want to know God's perspective on the issue. If a person is dying few months more or even a year dont make much difference except adding to his pain and humiliation. The quantity of life of life doesnt matter but rather the quality so if the quality is gone what shall we fight for?
 

Skye

New member
Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Skye

New member
Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Skye

New member
Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Skye

New member
Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Skye

New member
Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

EnergyGal

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Skye</b></i>

Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"></end quote></div>


Beautifully Written and I agree one hundred percent
 

EnergyGal

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Skye</b></i>

Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"></end quote></div>


Beautifully Written and I agree one hundred percent
 

EnergyGal

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Skye</b></i>

Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"></end quote></div>


Beautifully Written and I agree one hundred percent
 

EnergyGal

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Skye</b></i>

Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"></end quote>


Beautifully Written and I agree one hundred percent
 

EnergyGal

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Skye</b></i>

Interesting topic and some really interesting responses so far. I'll let you all know up front that I am a christian, I will try to leave religion out of it<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I think that suicide is something that crosses the minds of anyone dealing with a devastating illness, that's a fact. As I look back on my life though, there have been a few times when drs. around me have wanted to throw in the towel. I was given "last rights" as a 21 year old. "Last rights" are a Catholic tradition for the dying. I suppose at that time I could have ended it, but I would have missed out on 13 years of marriage and a beautiful 8 year old. I guess I see every minute of life as an opportunity to experience and affect another life. I don't want to miss any of those minutes. I try to always look for hope too. I have been through a pre-transplant evaluation, so I am speaking from the dark side of this illness<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I don't look at suicide as the "unforgiveable sin". I actually don't see it like that at all. I think God is a merciful God. I just see it more from the perspective of destiny and fulfilling a purpose. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"></end quote>


Beautifully Written and I agree one hundred percent
 

Mockingbird

New member
I know you asked me to check my religion at the door, but since you chose to misrepresent my religion in such a way, I cannot help but respond.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>most major faiths view suicide as the "Unpardonable sin".</end quote></div>

erm, no. That is not what the unpardonable sin is. The catholic church veiws suicide as a grave injustice against God, since it is God who owns our life and we would be destroying our life without His permission. According to the catholic church, a person who commits suicide goes to hell not because it is the unpardonable sin, but because in order for any sane person to commit suicide they must first have annihilated in themselves all that they possessed of spiritual life.

As far as protestants go, we tend to say suicide is a sin, but by no means prevents a person from entering into heaven because Christ died on the cross to forgive our sins. If a person who has given their life to Christ were to commit suicide in a moment of human weakness, that would not negate the power or grace of Christ.

Any "christian" who claims suicide is an unpardonable sin simply doesn't know what he or she is talking about.

It is also incorrect to say it is the Christian position that one is no longer a "resource" because they have taken their own life. After all, Jesus Christ willingly laid down His own life for our sins, and the willful martyrdom of those in the early church was instrumental in bringing people to faith in Christ. It can be said such people did not take their own lives, however it is also true they did noting to try to save their lives either. One man, Ignatius, even went so far as to write to the Christians in Rome, telling them not to intervene lest he be deprived of his torture and death. Even today in countries where Christianity is still persecuted, martyrdom is still effective in this way.

However, just because someone is in a hospital bad, that does not mean their life is forfeit. As a personal experience, both my grandfather and grandmother died slow, agonizing deaths in hospital beds. my grandfather died of lung cancer, but the peace he had in the midst of his suffering was proof to those around him of the love and power of Christ. My grandmother died several years later, but even though she was unconscious my uncle was brought to Christ because he spent so much time sitting by her side and watching her. If my grandmother's life had ended quickly, he would not have had so much time to stop and think.

For someone who is suffering and does not know Christ, why should they be expected to carry their life out? I cannot think of a single reason except that through the midst of their suffering they might turn their lives to Christ. As for the person who does already know Christ, our ambition is to be pleasing to God, and I cannot think of a single instance where it has been God's will for anyone to commit suicide except in cases of martyrdom. As for me, I hope I am strong enough not to choose suicide because of suffering (and I know that apart from Christ I would not be strong enough, yet through Christ I am strong) simply because I would like to see what He has planned for me even until my last breath, for I know it is possible for God to use even that last pathetic breath for wonderful things, according to His will.
 

Mockingbird

New member
I know you asked me to check my religion at the door, but since you chose to misrepresent my religion in such a way, I cannot help but respond.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>most major faiths view suicide as the "Unpardonable sin".</end quote></div>

erm, no. That is not what the unpardonable sin is. The catholic church veiws suicide as a grave injustice against God, since it is God who owns our life and we would be destroying our life without His permission. According to the catholic church, a person who commits suicide goes to hell not because it is the unpardonable sin, but because in order for any sane person to commit suicide they must first have annihilated in themselves all that they possessed of spiritual life.

As far as protestants go, we tend to say suicide is a sin, but by no means prevents a person from entering into heaven because Christ died on the cross to forgive our sins. If a person who has given their life to Christ were to commit suicide in a moment of human weakness, that would not negate the power or grace of Christ.

Any "christian" who claims suicide is an unpardonable sin simply doesn't know what he or she is talking about.

It is also incorrect to say it is the Christian position that one is no longer a "resource" because they have taken their own life. After all, Jesus Christ willingly laid down His own life for our sins, and the willful martyrdom of those in the early church was instrumental in bringing people to faith in Christ. It can be said such people did not take their own lives, however it is also true they did noting to try to save their lives either. One man, Ignatius, even went so far as to write to the Christians in Rome, telling them not to intervene lest he be deprived of his torture and death. Even today in countries where Christianity is still persecuted, martyrdom is still effective in this way.

However, just because someone is in a hospital bad, that does not mean their life is forfeit. As a personal experience, both my grandfather and grandmother died slow, agonizing deaths in hospital beds. my grandfather died of lung cancer, but the peace he had in the midst of his suffering was proof to those around him of the love and power of Christ. My grandmother died several years later, but even though she was unconscious my uncle was brought to Christ because he spent so much time sitting by her side and watching her. If my grandmother's life had ended quickly, he would not have had so much time to stop and think.

For someone who is suffering and does not know Christ, why should they be expected to carry their life out? I cannot think of a single reason except that through the midst of their suffering they might turn their lives to Christ. As for the person who does already know Christ, our ambition is to be pleasing to God, and I cannot think of a single instance where it has been God's will for anyone to commit suicide except in cases of martyrdom. As for me, I hope I am strong enough not to choose suicide because of suffering (and I know that apart from Christ I would not be strong enough, yet through Christ I am strong) simply because I would like to see what He has planned for me even until my last breath, for I know it is possible for God to use even that last pathetic breath for wonderful things, according to His will.
 

Mockingbird

New member
I know you asked me to check my religion at the door, but since you chose to misrepresent my religion in such a way, I cannot help but respond.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>most major faiths view suicide as the "Unpardonable sin".</end quote></div>

erm, no. That is not what the unpardonable sin is. The catholic church veiws suicide as a grave injustice against God, since it is God who owns our life and we would be destroying our life without His permission. According to the catholic church, a person who commits suicide goes to hell not because it is the unpardonable sin, but because in order for any sane person to commit suicide they must first have annihilated in themselves all that they possessed of spiritual life.

As far as protestants go, we tend to say suicide is a sin, but by no means prevents a person from entering into heaven because Christ died on the cross to forgive our sins. If a person who has given their life to Christ were to commit suicide in a moment of human weakness, that would not negate the power or grace of Christ.

Any "christian" who claims suicide is an unpardonable sin simply doesn't know what he or she is talking about.

It is also incorrect to say it is the Christian position that one is no longer a "resource" because they have taken their own life. After all, Jesus Christ willingly laid down His own life for our sins, and the willful martyrdom of those in the early church was instrumental in bringing people to faith in Christ. It can be said such people did not take their own lives, however it is also true they did noting to try to save their lives either. One man, Ignatius, even went so far as to write to the Christians in Rome, telling them not to intervene lest he be deprived of his torture and death. Even today in countries where Christianity is still persecuted, martyrdom is still effective in this way.

However, just because someone is in a hospital bad, that does not mean their life is forfeit. As a personal experience, both my grandfather and grandmother died slow, agonizing deaths in hospital beds. my grandfather died of lung cancer, but the peace he had in the midst of his suffering was proof to those around him of the love and power of Christ. My grandmother died several years later, but even though she was unconscious my uncle was brought to Christ because he spent so much time sitting by her side and watching her. If my grandmother's life had ended quickly, he would not have had so much time to stop and think.

For someone who is suffering and does not know Christ, why should they be expected to carry their life out? I cannot think of a single reason except that through the midst of their suffering they might turn their lives to Christ. As for the person who does already know Christ, our ambition is to be pleasing to God, and I cannot think of a single instance where it has been God's will for anyone to commit suicide except in cases of martyrdom. As for me, I hope I am strong enough not to choose suicide because of suffering (and I know that apart from Christ I would not be strong enough, yet through Christ I am strong) simply because I would like to see what He has planned for me even until my last breath, for I know it is possible for God to use even that last pathetic breath for wonderful things, according to His will.
 

Mockingbird

New member
I know you asked me to check my religion at the door, but since you chose to misrepresent my religion in such a way, I cannot help but respond.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>most major faiths view suicide as the "Unpardonable sin".</end quote>

erm, no. That is not what the unpardonable sin is. The catholic church veiws suicide as a grave injustice against God, since it is God who owns our life and we would be destroying our life without His permission. According to the catholic church, a person who commits suicide goes to hell not because it is the unpardonable sin, but because in order for any sane person to commit suicide they must first have annihilated in themselves all that they possessed of spiritual life.

As far as protestants go, we tend to say suicide is a sin, but by no means prevents a person from entering into heaven because Christ died on the cross to forgive our sins. If a person who has given their life to Christ were to commit suicide in a moment of human weakness, that would not negate the power or grace of Christ.

Any "christian" who claims suicide is an unpardonable sin simply doesn't know what he or she is talking about.

It is also incorrect to say it is the Christian position that one is no longer a "resource" because they have taken their own life. After all, Jesus Christ willingly laid down His own life for our sins, and the willful martyrdom of those in the early church was instrumental in bringing people to faith in Christ. It can be said such people did not take their own lives, however it is also true they did noting to try to save their lives either. One man, Ignatius, even went so far as to write to the Christians in Rome, telling them not to intervene lest he be deprived of his torture and death. Even today in countries where Christianity is still persecuted, martyrdom is still effective in this way.

However, just because someone is in a hospital bad, that does not mean their life is forfeit. As a personal experience, both my grandfather and grandmother died slow, agonizing deaths in hospital beds. my grandfather died of lung cancer, but the peace he had in the midst of his suffering was proof to those around him of the love and power of Christ. My grandmother died several years later, but even though she was unconscious my uncle was brought to Christ because he spent so much time sitting by her side and watching her. If my grandmother's life had ended quickly, he would not have had so much time to stop and think.

For someone who is suffering and does not know Christ, why should they be expected to carry their life out? I cannot think of a single reason except that through the midst of their suffering they might turn their lives to Christ. As for the person who does already know Christ, our ambition is to be pleasing to God, and I cannot think of a single instance where it has been God's will for anyone to commit suicide except in cases of martyrdom. As for me, I hope I am strong enough not to choose suicide because of suffering (and I know that apart from Christ I would not be strong enough, yet through Christ I am strong) simply because I would like to see what He has planned for me even until my last breath, for I know it is possible for God to use even that last pathetic breath for wonderful things, according to His will.
 

Mockingbird

New member
I know you asked me to check my religion at the door, but since you chose to misrepresent my religion in such a way, I cannot help but respond.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>most major faiths view suicide as the "Unpardonable sin".</end quote>

erm, no. That is not what the unpardonable sin is. The catholic church veiws suicide as a grave injustice against God, since it is God who owns our life and we would be destroying our life without His permission. According to the catholic church, a person who commits suicide goes to hell not because it is the unpardonable sin, but because in order for any sane person to commit suicide they must first have annihilated in themselves all that they possessed of spiritual life.

As far as protestants go, we tend to say suicide is a sin, but by no means prevents a person from entering into heaven because Christ died on the cross to forgive our sins. If a person who has given their life to Christ were to commit suicide in a moment of human weakness, that would not negate the power or grace of Christ.

Any "christian" who claims suicide is an unpardonable sin simply doesn't know what he or she is talking about.

It is also incorrect to say it is the Christian position that one is no longer a "resource" because they have taken their own life. After all, Jesus Christ willingly laid down His own life for our sins, and the willful martyrdom of those in the early church was instrumental in bringing people to faith in Christ. It can be said such people did not take their own lives, however it is also true they did noting to try to save their lives either. One man, Ignatius, even went so far as to write to the Christians in Rome, telling them not to intervene lest he be deprived of his torture and death. Even today in countries where Christianity is still persecuted, martyrdom is still effective in this way.

However, just because someone is in a hospital bad, that does not mean their life is forfeit. As a personal experience, both my grandfather and grandmother died slow, agonizing deaths in hospital beds. my grandfather died of lung cancer, but the peace he had in the midst of his suffering was proof to those around him of the love and power of Christ. My grandmother died several years later, but even though she was unconscious my uncle was brought to Christ because he spent so much time sitting by her side and watching her. If my grandmother's life had ended quickly, he would not have had so much time to stop and think.

For someone who is suffering and does not know Christ, why should they be expected to carry their life out? I cannot think of a single reason except that through the midst of their suffering they might turn their lives to Christ. As for the person who does already know Christ, our ambition is to be pleasing to God, and I cannot think of a single instance where it has been God's will for anyone to commit suicide except in cases of martyrdom. As for me, I hope I am strong enough not to choose suicide because of suffering (and I know that apart from Christ I would not be strong enough, yet through Christ I am strong) simply because I would like to see what He has planned for me even until my last breath, for I know it is possible for God to use even that last pathetic breath for wonderful things, according to His will.
 
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