Is it a sin to want to die?

Answer:

There have been people in the past who because of depression expressed their desire to not continue life. Job rue the day he was born, "Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11). We are told about Elijah, "And he prayed that he might die, and said, 'It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!'" (I Kings 19:4). Jonah in his anger said, "Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!" (Jonah 4:3).

While all of these men had despaired of life, none of them committed suicide. They knew it wasn't their place to decide when their life should end. "Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips" (Job 2:9-10).

It is understandable that life can get tough and it is hard to face going on. But suicide solves no problems, it gives no control, it isn't heroic, it brings wrath on the one seeking vengeance, and most importantly it gives no comfort.

What is particularly sad are people who really don't have a problem, yet who despair of living. They haven't suffered a major tragedy, their life isn't a major hardship, and yet they focus on leaving life instead of getting involved in life. They have a few problems, but no greater than most other people in the world. Yet, they think escape is better than overcoming obstacles. That is not the life God prepared for His people. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:1-5).