026: Helping People With Thoughts of Suicide

Podcast
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What You'll Discover in this Episode:

Those who belong to Christ are not immune from thoughts of suicide and there is a likelihood that someone very close to you has struggled with these thoughts.

The Bible is sufficient for every problem or situation we face and it should be used to help those who struggle with thoughts of suicide. It is not enough to offer kind words and express that you will be praying for them. God has equipped you with knowledge of His word and the Holy Spirit to help them overcome the heavy weight that thoughts of suicide can bring.

During this episode, Pastor Jeff will give you some practical biblical concepts to help you counsel those that are suffering with thoughts of suicide. Armed with these biblical concepts and the Holy Spirit you have all the tools necessary to help prevent the loss of a loved one. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus and anything we do to help others is as if we are doing to Him. It is not an easy task but God will give you the courage to help others see His glory and turn away from despair.

Pastor Jeff uses the 4 L’s. These four L’s are love, listen, launch, and lean. These simple L's will go a long way in helping people who struggle with thoughts of suicide. Check out episode 26 to understand practical biblical actions to help those who struggle with thoughts of suicide.

Guidelines for Talking to Those with Thoughts about Suicide:
Love the person. God has shown us is unending love and mercy, we are equipped to show that same love to those we counsel. We are capable of love because He first loved us and He commands us to share that love.
Listen to the person. Your posture, your eyes, and your demeanor show that you are intently listening to their story. See the person through the eyes of Jesus and listen to what they have to say.
Launch into an action plan. This is the most difficult aspect, we are armed with the knowledge and understanding but we need to think out a plan to help the individual with practical applications. Create a calendar of the next steps and how they should be carried out.
Lean into an an action plan. Follow up with individual, seek to disciple them. Pray with them and for them always making it priority to check in on them.
Check out this FREE guide for Biblical Counselors! -----> "A Biblical Counselors Quick Reference to Suicide Prevention" <------ by Dr. Howard A. Eyrich. This useful tool will help you gain more understanding to help those who are in need.

Resources:

"A Biblical Counselors Quick Reference to Suicide Prevention"

(Romans 15:14 NKJV) Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
(James 3:9 NKJV) With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.
(1Corinthians 6:19 NKJV) Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
(Job 1:21 NKJV) And he said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
(Galatians 5:21 NKJV) envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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