Is life worth living? In the midst of difficult trials some people will ask themselves that question, and they’ll respond with a "no." They’ll make a choice they can’t take back: suicide.

This little word is filled with so much meaning. For some it is an answer to the pain and darkness they feel. To others it’s the hole left in their lives by a loved one. To God it’s sin. Like all sin, it draws people away from Him; when all He wants is for us to draw near to Him (Luke 13:34).

As I sat down to write this blog; I struggled to find the right words to say the right thing. The right thing for the person that is contemplating suicide (please don’t!) or the right thing for those that are picking up the pieces in the aftermath of suicide. How do I say the right thing when the subject is so scary and difficult? How do I find the perfect words to describe the beauty of life to someone who doesn’t want to live; and life, even at its most difficult is beautiful, and hard, and scary, and wonderful, and absolutely worth it. How do I find the perfect words to comfort someone who has lost a brother, a sister, a mother, a father, or a friend to suicide? My words cannot take away your pain, but perhaps God’s words, and His truth, can offer you some comfort and some hope.

For those that are grieving the loss of a loved one. I am so sorry! I’m sorry for the pain you are feeling. Please take hope in the knowledge that you will see your loved one again. They are not doomed to all eternity in “hell.” You will see them again, whole and alive (John 5:21; John 5:25; John 5:29-30; Revelation 20:5); and they will have the opportunity to repent of that last sin, suicide.

If you’re thinking about suicide, please get help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

For those who are contemplating suicide, please, please seek help; talk to someone. Anyone! Just reach out. And know, deep in the core of your being, that you are loved. God loves you (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 3:17-19). And you may not know it, but God’s people love you. They love you because you belong to God; they love you because of the potential you have (1 Timothy 2:1; Matthew 43:45). God wants you to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19)!

Back to the question: “Is life worth living?” The answer is absolutely. Does this mean that life will always be easy? Not a chance. In fact we’re told that life will be hard: “We must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22, New Living Translation). Earlier Jesus Christ said there would be difficulties in this life: “In the world you will have tribulation.” But He doesn’t leave us there, He offers us hope! “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)! We can find rest in God and Jesus Christ (Psalm 62:5; Psalm 73:26; Matthew 11:28). We can find hope in His plan of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:54-58).

Life is worth living!