IPHC Frequently Asked Questions

It is always sad and heartrending when someone commits suicide. It leaves a void that can seldom be filled on this side of eternity. Friends, like your friend, and family members are left feeling guilty, angry, and helpless. Seldom are there easy answers when something like this happens. One of best ways for you to minister to your friend is to be patient and listen to her as she continues to work through this season of loss.

Her questions about God are natural. Many people ask the same questions of 'why did God allow this?' That question reflects several things. First, it reflects a desire to blame someone other than the person who actually caused the pain - the person who committed suicide. It takes awhile for us to accept our anger and disappointment at that person, especially since they can never tell us "why."

Second, it reflects a deep longing to know that there really is a God and that life is not totally random.

As you minister you have to remember that while God is sovereign, He has also given us free will. We are not computer chips in a body. God has made us so that we can choose to respond to His love and Word. Unfortunately many people choose to ignore God and try to live out of their own resources. That is why suicide is the ultimate statement of unbelief.

In terms of sick and dying children, it is important to remember that since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-21), all humanity and the entire creation is under the curse of sin. That curse manifest itself in wars, disease (including corruption of our DNA), and in a multitude of problems across the globe.

The solution to this is found in the victory of Jesus Christ at the cross and the fact that He will return again to remove the curse of sin (Revelation 19-22).

Finally, you and your friend can find comfort in many of the Psalms (3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 16, 18, 23, 28). I suggest you and your friend read these Psalms together. You will find the Psalmist expressing many of the emotions and questions that you have. You will also discover how the Psalmist turned from questions to trust.

Dr. Doug Beacham, Executive Director
IPHC Church Education Ministries



		One of my friends just lost her best friend to suicide. I have never had anything like that happen in my life, so I'm not sure how I can minister to her. She doesn't understand how God could allow such a thing to happen. It is always sad and heartrending when someone commits suicide. It leaves a void that can seldom be filled on this side of eternity. Friends, like your friend, and family members are left feeling guilty, angry, and helpless. Seldom are there easy answers when something like this happens. One of best ways for you to minister to your friend is to be patient and listen to her as she continues to work through this season of loss. Her questions about God are natural. Many people ask the same questions of 'why did God allow this?' That question reflects several things. First, it reflects a desire to blame someone other than the person who actually caused the pain - the person who committed suicide. It takes awhile for us to accept our anger and disappointment at that person, especially since they can never tell us "why." Second, it reflects a deep longing to know that there really is a God and that life is not totally random. As you minister you have to remember that while God is sovereign, He has also given us free will. We are not computer chips in a body. God has made us so that we can choose to respond to His love and Word. Unfortunately many people choose to ignore God and try to live out of their own resources. That is why suicide is the ultimate statement of unbelief. In terms of sick and dying children, it is important to remember that since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-21), all humanity and the entire creation is under the curse of sin. That curse manifest itself in wars, disease (including corruption of our DNA), and in a multitude of problems across the globe. The solution to this is found in the victory of Jesus Christ at the cross and the fact that He will return again to remove the curse of sin (Revelation 19-22). Finally, you and your friend can find comfort in many of the Psalms (3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 16, 18, 23, 28). I suggest you and your friend read these Psalms together. You will find the Psalmist expressing many of the emotions and questions that you have. You will also discover how the Psalmist turned from questions to trust. Dr. Doug Beacham, Executive Director IPHC Church Education Ministries


		Last update on 10/15/08 ©IPHC Ministries. All rights reserved