I recently received the news that a brother in the faith had passed away. From that first message, something caught my attention: none of the usual expressions we tend to use in our Christian environment, such as ‘he has departed to be with the Lord’ or ‘he is now in God's presence’, were there.

Perhaps because I am familiar with issues of grief and suicide prevention, something inside me made me suspect that there was more behind that silence. I couldn't find anything on social media (we live in a time when what we don't post on social media doesn't exist).

I sought confirmation, asked people close to him, but the answers were evasive: some knew nothing, others kept quiet about what they knew. Until, finally, and almost reluctantly, I learned what I feared: indeed, he had committed suicide.

It hurt.

It hurt because I knew he was suffering intensely after a recent loss.

It hurt to imagine the unbearable weight that led him to think that ending his life was the only way out of his pain.

And I was hurt by the silence surrounding his death: the euphemisms, the secrecy, the way we continue to cover up reality, believing that if we don't name it, perhaps we can prevent others from thinking about it.

But the reality is that silence does not protect: silence isolates, burdens with guilt and deprives those who need it most of companionship. And it is precisely here that, as a Church, we need to raise our voices, talk about what makes us uncomfortable, and remember that in Christ there is always hope, even when the darkness seems absolute.

The pain that cannot be seen

The Bible recognises the depth of human suffering. Job, in the midst of his tragedy, exclaimed, ‘Why did I not die at birth?’ (Job 3:11). Elijah, exhausted and discouraged, asked God to take his life: ‘Enough, O Lord, take my life’ (1 Kings 19:4). David described feeling overwhelmed: ‘Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my soul’ (Psalm 69:1).

These accounts show that extreme discouragement and despair are not experiences foreign to God's children. Depression, deep grief, loneliness, and emotional crises can cloud a person of faith's perspective to the point of making him feel that there is no way out. Therefore, as a Christian community, we must look with compassion and not judgement upon those who are going through these storms.

Is suicide an unforgivable sin?

Life is a precious gift from God. The psalmist expresses it beautifully: ‘For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb... Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me’ (Psalm 139:13-16). Taking one's own life contradicts God's design.

However, reducing suicide to a simple moral category ignores the complexity of mental health and the suffering that can lead to this decision. The Bible teaches that our salvation rests on God's grace, not on our final acts. ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast’ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Paul adds, ‘Neither death nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, he our Lord’ (Romans 8:38-39). This passage reminds us that it is not our place to determine the eternal destiny of those who have experienced such profound pain. Our task is to comfort, accompany, and support those who grieve, not to judge what only God knows.

The Church's response

The Church cannot remain silent in the face of emotional suffering. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free (Luke 4:18). In the face of despair, we must proclaim that there is always a way to the light and that God is still at work even in the darkest nights.

Part of the response is to break the stigma. Congregations must be safe places where depression, anxiety, grief, and suicidal thoughts can be discussed without fear of judgement. Experiences such as the support groups that many churches have begun to develop are an example of how real, unmasked accompaniment can be offered.

In addition, as pastors and leaders, we need to weave networks of care that integrate prayer, pastoral support, and professional accompaniment when necessary. Every believer should feel that they are part of a family of faith that sustains, encourages, and lifts them up (Galatians 6:2): ‘Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ’.

How to accompany those who suffer

Suicide not only hurts the person who commits it; it leaves a trail of pain in family members, friends, and faith communities. Therefore, pastoral and compassionate accompaniment is vital. Some important guidelines:

1. Listen without judging. Let us avoid phrases such as ‘he lacked faith’ or ‘if she had trusted God, she would not have done it’. Listening is an act of love that reflects the character of Christ.


2. Offer presence and prayer. Being close, even in silence, can be more powerful than many words. Scripture says, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted’ (Psalm 34:18).


3. Provide practical support. Accompanying someone in errands, household chores, or simply being available for a phone call can make a big difference.


4. Recognise limits and refer to professionals. Seeking psychological or psychiatric help is not a lack of faith; it is part of the holistic healing that God desires for us.

Prevention: a commitment for everyone

Talking about suicide does not increase the risk; on the contrary, it helps to prevent it. The Church must teach that asking for help is not a sign of spiritual weakness, but of courage. In addition, it must equip the congregation to recognise warning signs, such as drastic changes in behaviour, isolation, expressions of hopelessness, or statements indicating intentions to harm oneself.

It is also crucial to offer practical resources: helplines, Christian support groups, pastoral counselling, and professionals who integrate mental health and biblical principles. The goal is not only to prevent tragedies, but to offer hope and restoration.

10 September, World Suicide Prevention Day, is a reminder that the Church is called to be a light in the midst of darkness. Jesus said, ‘He has come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). That fullness includes comfort, grace, restoration, and companionship for those who suffer.

As a community of faith, we have the privilege and responsibility to walk alongside the broken, reminding them that they are not alone, that there is hope in Christ, and that even in the darkest valley, God is still our Shepherd (Psalm 23:4).

On this 10th of September, let us renew our commitment to be a Church that listens, accompanies, and proclaims that in Jesus there is always life, light, and a new opportunity to move forward.

And let us not forget: Talking about suicide saves lives.

Lourdes Otero, journalist. This article is part of a series on World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), celebrated annually on 10 September, in coordination with the Spanish Evangelical Alliance's Working Group on Grief and Suicide.

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