–– Gideon Mpeni

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

A report by Andre Lombard on BBC Africa on the 6th of August has revealed that Lesotho, the kingdom in the sky, is home to the world’s highest suicide rate. These alarming facts confirmed by the World Health Organization, reveal that 87.5 people per 100,000 of the population take their own life every year in Lesotho, this data reveals a sharp contrast that the baSotho numbers are more than double the next country on the list, Guyana in South America, where the figure is just more than 40. It is also almost 10 times the global average, which stands at nine suicides per 100,000 people. 

What is it? 

When trying to understand what suicide is a helpful picture is painted by Navy Chaplain, Gary Stewart when he says, “suicide is the culmination of a process; it is seldom provoked by just one unresolved problem. Suicide is a permanent, intentional, and selfish action taken against one’s self in order to eliminate what for the moment appears to be unrelenting and unfaltering pain. It is a tragic culmination of a process in which unresolved events converge, leaving a person lonely, depressed, and thoroughly hopeless.”

When does it begin? 

Security consultant Gavin de Becker tells us that, “the process of suicide starts way before the act of suicide.” From these men, we learn that it is not true that suicide happens without warning. In Lesotho, the society has reached what appears to be the lowest ebb, waiting for the government to bring about the solutions. However, earthly solutions can bring no lasting hope and the church must rise to the challenge and give answers that only the Gospel of our risen Savior can offer. 

The myths 

A contemporary Biblical Counsellor named Bruce Ray has pointed out that Suicide literature often distinguishes between suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. As the church, we should be prepared with biblical tools, principles and practices that equip us for suicide prevention and intervention. To do this effectively, the church in Lesotho and Africa at large must debunk some of the misconceptions about suicide.

1. “People who talk about suicide won’t really do it – they just want attention.” It is true that sometimes suicide “attempts” are cries for help, but listen to Ms Moloi’s testimony as she takes the short walk to tend to her late son’s grave, he had talked about it before committing. It is dangerous to assume that a suicide threat is “only” to get attention. Actually, most people give warning signs that they are considering suicide. The problem is that often we don’t recognize they were warning signs until after the fact.

2. “Suicide runs in families. That’s often true, but that doesn’t mean suicide is hereditary. It is more likely that family history provides sinful patterns of dealing with issues and “permission” to end life when solutions can’t be easily found.

3. “Thinking about suicide means you will commit suicide. No, men have fleeting occasional suicidal thoughts but do not act on them. Although still unhealthy not wanting to go on living is not the same as planning to take your own life. Elijah, Jonah and Job are examples of this (1 Kings 19:4. Jonah 4:3,8 and Job 3:11. 6:9).

4. “A true believer cannot commit suicide.” But what about Samson? (Judges 13-16. Named in “the great faith chapter” of the Bible (Hebrews 11) as one of many “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised” (Hebrews 11:32-33), yet his end was suicidal in nature. The reality is that other factors may affect the suicidal decisions believers make.  

The causes of Suicide

The reasons people take their own lives are often complicated, and it is difficult to isolate a single cause. However, there are some common causes that we should be on the lookout for, these may include anger, jealousy, and depression – but the caveat to consider is this: “Not everyone who is depressed is suicidal, and not everyone who is suicidal is depressed. Self-pity, pride, shame, guilt, revenge, avoidance of greater pain, loneliness and isolation, rejection, loss of status, income, or power. Yet more, some do so for autonomy – “I’ll be the captain of my fate,” being their mantra. 

These are the issues that people present, but they are not the reasons why they end their own lives. There is ultimately only one reason why people commit suicide. Most of them have not lost their minds, but all of them have lost hope. They have developed tunnel vision and cannot see any other workable options. Suicide is the only choice left that makes sense – i.e., the only option that to them seems reasonable. They need hope in God alone. 

What does the Bible say and what are its implications?

The Scriptures provide us with a clear vision of God that we must possess even in seasons of the deepest darkest nights of the soul. Let us remember these truths so that we prevent, and intervene, where possible. 

1. Maintain the Sanctity of Life (see Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-14): Human life is created in the image of God, and every person is an image bearer “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14). This affirms the inherent value and dignity of each individual. Suicide, from a biblical perspective, is contrary to the sanctity of life as ordained by God. Practically, this understanding encourages Christians and everyone to value life, seek protection for those at risk, and uphold the worth of individuals, even in times of darkness.
2. Remember God’s Presence in Despair: God is with us even in our darkest moments, offering strength, comfort, and renewal. Whatever the circumstances, hope in God’s Plan: Romans 8:28 reminds us that, though circumstances may feel hopeless, God’s purpose can bring meaning and healing out of pain. (Psalm 34:18). 
3. Trust God’s Authority over Life and Death (Deuteronomy 32:39, Job 1:21): Suicidal thoughts might stem from the desire to take control over life and death. Biblically, understanding that life is God’s domain helps reframe the conversation around trusting God with our lives, even when it feels like we’ve lost control. This leads to a practical emphasis on surrendering to God’s timing and will, and finding purpose in His plans.
4. Seek for Biblical Counselling and Pastoral Help (Proverbs 11:14, James 5:16): Here Scripture supports the idea of seeking wisdom and counsel from others. Practically, this means encouraging individuals who are suicidal to seek Biblical Counselling in their local churches.  By doing so one is able to avoid Isolation. It is known that Isolation can deepen feelings of despair, as seen with Elijah and Jonah. 

Conclusion

Life is precious, live it for the glory of God, when in despair learn to entrust it to God, who causes all things to work together for His children.