In many ways, this seems to be the most tragic form of death. Often the stigma of suicide is what rests most heavily on those left behind.

The Bible warns us not to judge, if we ourselves hope to escape judgement. And I believe that this is the one area that Biblical command especially should be heeded. For how do we know how many valiant battles this person may have fought and won before he loses that one particular battle? And is it fair that all the good acts and impulses of this person should be forgotten or blotted out by his final tragic act?

I think our reaction should be one of love, not of condemnation. Perhaps the person was not thinking clearly in his final moments; perhaps he was so driven by emotional whirlwinds that he was incapable of thinking at all. This is terribly sad. But surely it is understandable. All of us have moments when we lose control of ourselves, flashes of temper, irritation, or selfishness that we later regret. Each one of us, probably, has a final breaking point - or would have if our faith did not sustain us. Life puts far more pressure on some of us than it does on others. Some people have more stamina than others.

My heart goes out to those who are left behind, because I know they suffer terribly. The immediate family of the victim is left wide open to tidal waves of guilt. . ."What did I fail to do that I should have done?? What did I do wrong??" To such grieving persons I can only say, "Lift up your heads and your hearts. Surely you did your best. And surely the loved one who is gone did his best, for as long as he could. Remember, now, that his battles and torments are over. Do not judge him, and do not presume to fathom the mind of God where this one of His children is concerned."

A few years ago, when a young man died by his own hand, a service for him was conducted by his pastor, Rev. West Stephens. What he said that day expresses far more eloquently that I can, the message I'm trying to convey. Here are some of his words:

"Our friend died on his own battlefield. He was killed in action fighting a civil war. He fought against adversaries that were as real to him as his casket is real to us. They were powerful adversaries. They took toll of his energies and endurance. They exhausted the last vestiges of his courage and his strength. At last those adversaries overwhelmed him. And, it appeared that he had lost the war. But did he? I see a host of victories that he has won.
For one thing, he has won our admiration. Even if he lost the war, we give him credit for his bravery on the battlefield. And we give him credit for the courage and pride and hope that he used as his weapons for as long as he could. We shall remember not his death, but his daily victories gained through his kindnesses and thoughfulness, through his love for his family and friends. . .for all things beautiful, lovely, and honorable. We shall remember not his last day of defeat, but we shall remember the many days that he was victorious over overwhelming odds. We shall remember not the years we thought he had left, but the intensity with which he lived the years he had. Only God knows what this child of His suffered in the silent skirmishes that took place in his soul. But our consolation is that God does know, and understands."

From Peale, N.V.(1966). The Healing of Sorrow. Pawling, New York, Inspirational Book Service.