GSI Articles:
Suicidal Friend?
Intervention / Prevention
© Sid Galloway BS, M.Div.
Just an old sheepdog
of the Good Shepherd
Genesis 1:1
Communicating conclusions from
100's of PhD scholars
Supporting the authority of His Word
& the consistency of His character
Human Rights? Slavery?
- Animal Rights? Cruelty?
What about God's right to command compassion for all of His creatures?
What Can You Do?
*Check your heart: (Philippians 2:5) Humble, loving ?
*Abide in Christ: (John 15:5) Absolute surrender !
*Don't obey fear: (2 Tim 1:7) Walk in the Spirit !
1 - Directly Question The Person About The Potential For Suicide.
(Love)
[Ephesians 4:15 , 2 Timothy 2:23-26, John 3:20-21; 2 Cor 10:3-5; Mat 4; Col 4]
A. Sensitively listen and seek to understand.
B. Listen for false beliefs which are making suicide attractive.
C. Begin to counter Satan's deception with God's love.
2 - Evaluate the Potential for Actually Committing Suicide.
(Discern)
[1 Kings 19:4, Philippians 1:23, Proverbs 19:19]
A. "I'd never kill myself" (Due to fear of hell or since it would hurt others).
B. "I occasionally have suicidal thoughts".
C. "I often think suicide is my only hope for peace".
D. "I already planned how I'll do it (pills, gun, etc.)".
3 - Never Encourage Belief in a Guaranteed Heaven After Suicide.
(Warn)
[Hebrews 9:27, Proverbs 3:5, 1 John 3:15, 4:8, James 1:13-16]
A. "If you are suicidal, you may not truly know Christ"
B. "You may think you do, but please don't risk eternity on it"
C. "If you kill yourself, you can't change your mind"
4 - Help the Person Examine Other Options Not yet Considered.
(Build Hope)
[Romans 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5]
A. Time guarantees change of circumstances.
B. Explore practical & realistic alternatives.
C. Offer yourself to walk along side (parakletos) in the new options.
D. Encourage a physical examine by a family practice physician.
5 - Link The Person With an Immediate Support System.
(Uphold)
[Ephesians 3:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12-13, John 15:1-15]
A. Find out what friends or relatives are supportive.
B. Get information necessary to contact them.
C. Plan to call someone to stay with the person as needed.
6 - Make a Covenant - Contract for a 12 hr Period.
(Agree)
[1 John 3:16-18, James 5:16, Ephesians 1:18-23, Hebrews 7:22]
A. Get the person to promise not to attempt suicide during the contract period.
B. Provide practical projects toward new alternatives.
C. Lead the person in a covenant prayer with God.
7. - If Potential is High, consider referral to a lock-down institution.
(Protect)
[Proverbs 19:18, Hebrews 12:5-12, Romans 13:1-4]
A. Try to get the person to voluntarily enter the hospital.
B. If not, family members can commit the person.
C. If family is unavailable, the coroner can commit someone.
D. Even if committed, you continue to evangelize or disciple as needed.
