1. You should go on living because life has seasons.
You should go on living because life changes. In winter, all you see is dead grass and dead trees. Everything looks grey, exhausted, hard, cold, and lifeless. When you are in the middle of winter, how can you imagine that anything will ever change? But it is true. Springtime does come with it’s bright greens and new life. Maybe you are in a barren, oppressive season that has gone on for a very long time. But hold on to this truth: life DOES change. Can you imagine what your life may be like in 5 years? 10 years? Things could be completely different. Hold on!
2. You should go on living because of those left behind.
Others will suffer. Did you know that those left behind face an increased risk of suicide themselves? Suicide often brings isolation, confusion, guilt and feelings of abandonment to those left behind. Even if it is unrealistic, they often punish themselves. They will not be better off. Families often fall apart even more, rather than give needed support–as members may blame others in the family. Many who consider suicide do not go through with it because of this reason alone: Others will suffer.
3. Because what doesn't kill you might make you stronger.
You should go on living because many people who had ruinous backgrounds have gone on to have fulfilling lives. You owe it to yourself to at least read about this possibility before making such an everlasting decision. There are many such autobiographies out there, but we really like this one: “Is There Anybody Out There?” by Mez McConnell. (You can text 704.575.3656 and we will send you a free copy.)
4. Because a flip phone might change your life here.
Trade in that iphone for a flip phone. Does that sound weird and drastic? Not as drastic as thinking about taking your own life! There have been studies indicating that there is a connection between digital consumption and depression/suicidal thoughts. Please try taking THIS drastic step before you think anymore about the other.
5. You should go on living because that time cliche is actually true.
It is true that with time, pain lessens and memories grow dimmer. Try to think of something to absorb some time–like an extra job or a consuming activity. And as you give yourself some time, be careful with your thoughts and speaking to others–communicating your pain over and over to the wrong person or to just yourself will only increase your pain. Talk to someone who will be helpful–not everyone and not repeatedly.
6. Because kindness can change things.
If you google “random acts of kindness helps depression,” you can see the research about how much it can help. If you feel you have nothing left to live for, try living to show kindness to someone else. Force yourself out of your comfort zone in order to do something kind for someone else. Make it your goal to do it at least once a day. You can google “random acts of kindness” for hundreds of ideas. Try it.
7. Because a professional might have a key.
Your brain contains around 1 hundred billion neurons connecting to each other through chemical neurotransmitters. One million new connections happen inside our brains EVERY SECOND and this is what determines our moods. Neurotransmitters can be affected by food, sleep, drugs, light, memories, stress, sickness, and of course, people. It’s complicated and a professional might know something, that you don’t know, that might truly help.
8. You should go on living because there is SO MUCH you don't know.
For instance, WHY does your heart just keep on going–without any effort on your part? Maybe there is a reason that you don’t know about. Your heart continuously pumps oxygen and nutrients throughout your body to sustain your life. 2,000 gallons. every. single. day. Why? The Bible teaches that there is a God who cares about you and He keeps your heart beating. When God gave you your life, He did not give you the right to terminate it. Some people think that by killing themselves, they can end their existence. But the Bible says that is not true: after death, we will be very much alive when we face judgment. If you aren’t sure about this or if you aren’t ready… should you risk it?
"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."
Amazingly, God has proven His love in the most dramatic way. In the beginning, God created the world and gave us laws to live by. These laws are universal (everyone is born with a conscience) and also written (don’t commit adultery, steal, lie, love your neighbor, etc.) But, we have all broken God’s laws to some degree. He is holy, and our wrongs separate us from Him. But because God loves us, He made a way: He became a man–Jesus. Our calendar is based on the fact of his life. (We live in 2019 AD–anno domini, Latin for “the year of our Lord”–the year Jesus was born.) Jesus lived here to show what God is like, in Person. Then, He suffered and died–on purpose. His death paid the penalty for our sins, for your sins. That’s the kind of love God has for you. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (II Cor. 5:21) “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) After His work was finished, Jesus rose from the grave.
10. You should go on living because it is possible to start over.
Consequently, what Jesus did, opens the door for you to be forgiven by God. Clean and blameless. Forever. (Jesus paid the penalty for all your sins–past, present and future– to prove His love for you. Once. For all time.) What Jesus did, opens the door for you to have an intimate relationship with your Father God, to become “born again”. (Ever wanted to start all over?) What Jesus did, opens the door for you to know that God created you for a purpose–good things for you to do, things God already has in mind. Love, forgiveness, new life, purpose–all reasons for you to go on living!
Truly, God loves you that much. The next step is to go to Him. The Bible says it this way: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12) Receiving Him into your life is the next step you must take.
11. Because here's something to try if you don't believe in God.
Yes, all of this might be hard to believe. God knows, and that’s why Jesus Christ made an interesting promise. He said, “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” Jesus’ teaching is that God intensely loves you. That’s a game changer–if it’s true. According to His promise, here is how to find out if that’s true: 1. CHOOSE to do God’s will. Before you end your life, why don’t you take this challenge: choose to do whatever you think God might want you to do. 2. If you do, you “WILL find out”. What does that mean? It means that somehow, God will let YOU know. So before you decide not to go on living, why not try this? Every day, ask God to help you know if Jesus told the truth and then try to do what you think God wants you to do. You aren’t perfect, so when you mess up just try again. Don’t give up and keep your eyes and heart open to what will happen.
12. Because it's not fair now, but justice WILL come.
Has someone evil hurt you? The Bible says that there is a judgement after death. It goes on to explain that it is God’s job to judge, and He WILL do it. Leave the judgement part to God. Our part is to forgive. This does not mean that you leave the evil to go unpunished. It means that you will leave the punishment to God and not take it into your own hands. Biblically, to forgive means to leave it… let it go.
If the evil continues, you need deliverance. God offers deliverance to those who seek Him.
13. You should go on living because there is more.
Now to live a fulfilling life of purpose and meaning, you need to experience God in your life. Talk to Him every day. Be honest with Him. (He already knows, but He wants you to tell Him.) Read the Bible (maybe start with the “gospel of John”). If it’s applicable, be sure to try and do what it says–this is key to knowing and experiencing God in your life. Find a church with people who are honestly seeking God. Be honest with them. It’s important to become a part of a church because it is a part of God’s plan and we need each other. If it’s just a “religious” church, try another one. You can contact us to help you find a church where you live. Welcome to your new life with purpose!