Though Jonah is famous for his fish, he also provides an illuminating case study of depression and suicidal thought. This Bible study and accompanying article provide a guide to the Scriptural portrait of despair shown in Jonah’s story.
Jonah struggles mightily with forgiveness; in fact, his refusal to forgive the Ninevites is the cause of his despair, the root of why he wishes to die! Yet in this story, God shows us the cure: to forgive again, and again, and again. Refusing to forgive only breeds resentment and depression, and sometimes it could even lead to suicide. But forgiving as Christ forgave us will make us more grace-filled, whole and emotionally healthy.
Advance medical directives convey our wishes to caregivers when we no longer can. Christians approach these ...
Heavenly Misconceptions
The promise of eternal life for the Christian is the greatest and most comforting promise our Lord has given to ...
God Is Not Done With You
There are no human words that can take away the pain suffered by grieving mothers. For now, the best we can hope ...
Comfort in the Face of Death
If you want to comfort a loved one who is dying, don’t pretend everything will be OK. Our comfort begins at the ...
Christmas Mourning
The holidays can be a time of sadness and loneliness, especially for those mourning the passing of a loved one. ...
Amazingly Complex
Health care’s amazing technology also creates impossibly complex situations. Three questions that Christians can and should ask themselves can help guide decisions as life draws to its end.
Where Do God’s People Find Comfort in the Suicide of a Non-Christian?
When a non-believer commits suicide, it can lead to sadness, anger, and many difficult questions for their friends ...
Bible Study — Gospel Relief for the Despairing
If you have served in the parish for any period, you have ministered to someone suffering from a sense of ...
The Problem of Suffering
It is hopeful to say that our suffering is from God, for then we know to whom we must turn is good and omnipotent and will turn our tears into joy in heaven. This is the theology of the cross.
Surprised by Suffering
Martin Luther once wrote: “Without trials ... a person can know neither Scripture nor faith, nor can he fear and love God. If he has never suffered, he cannot understand what hope is.”
How Long?
We ask, “How long will you defend the unjust, O God, and show favor to the wicked?” God points to the cross and ...
Ethics and Suffering
How are Christians to respond to this shift in the ethics of medicine today? The path that seems most appropriate ...
