Although it is wrong to take one's own life, a person who commits suicide may not be responsible for his or her acts. Only God can judge such a matter. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said:
“Obviously, we do not know the full circumstances surrounding every suicide. Only the Lord knows all the details, and he it is who will judge our actions here on earth.
“When he does judge us, I feel he will take all things into consideration: our genetic and chemical makeup, our mental state, our intellectual capacity, the teachings we have received, the traditions of our fathers, our health, and so forth” (“Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not,” Ensign, Oct. 1987, 8).
Scripture References
Prophetic Teachings
M. Russell Ballard, “Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not”, Ensign, Nov. 1987, 6
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Like a Broken Vessel”, Ensign, Nov. 2013, 40–42
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Hope of God’s Light”, Ensign, May 2013, 70–77
Additional Study Materials
“Video: Lifting Burdens”
Apostles of Jesus Christ testify of the Savior's power to heal, change, and purify us.
LDS Family Services
LDS Family Services provides counseling services and resources for individuals and families facing social and emotional challenges.
