Suicide for Love?

God isn't a legal God. He is understanding, compassionate and loving.

Self sacrifice and the love for your fellow man were among the key teachings of Christ.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 10:27
He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

I wouldn't classify those examples as suicide. They are self-sacrifice for a higher purpose, which is what Jesus did for us.

You may find the ethics sections help slightly more on this. Its based on the intent of the person.

In suicide the intent is to end ones own life. Most do not have the capacity to consider how this will effect others in their lives.

In laying down ones life to save another the intent is to save the life of another.
Most who do this would prefer NOT to die but they see an opportunity to give someone else a chance to live and be safe.

I believe that suicide is one of the most selfish acts you can commit.

But in contrast dying for your friends is the most selfless.

I would say no. Giving your life to save others is the highest form of love, and exactly what Christ did. That is definitely not suicide.

UnimaginablyHappy said:

I know it is a sin to take one's life but there are some instances in let's say war, that a person will jump on a grenade knowing he will die to save the rest of his platoon. Is this still bad since the act of 'suicide' was done out of pure love?

Another example would be jumping in front of a bullet for someone you love and die.

Share your thoughts on this with me, please.

Click to expand...

You've noted giving up one's own life to save another (or others), an unselfish act that God finds commendable. Suicide is a personal, self-centered and selfish act that makes no one a hero. It's also murder that one who commits this act cannot repent of. We cannot repent if we're dead.