Thousands of students stay in coaching centers and prepare to appear in competitive exams to enter prestigious institutions in India. The city of Kota is a city of coaching centers. In 2023, in Kota 29 students committed suicide. That means one suicide recurring every 14 days. In the year 2021, over 13000 students died by suicide in India. That is more than 35 per day. Some students have left suicide notes: “Dad, forgive me, I cannot fulfill your dream.” Mostly addressed to parents, they regret being unable to measure up to the expectations of their parents. (Rohit Khanna, NDTV 25 February 2024) Is suicide the ultimate option?
Expectations: Parents always have expectations about their children. They want them to excel well in their life. For that, they are willing to sacrifice and create opportunities for them. However, their expectations seem to be more than their children could attain. Unable to attain such heights, they condemn themselves.
God’s requirements: Even earthly fathers and mothers have some expectations from their children. If so, the Creator God, Father of all creation also has expectations from humans who are created in His image. God expects humans to lead a righteous and holy life. (I Peter 1:14-16)
Guilt conscience: Students felt ashamed, and guilty for failing their parents. Instead of explaining their inability to them, they opt out of life. Humans feel guilty and try to appease God by various means like giving alms or going on pilgrimage.
God’s mercy: Unlike human parents, Heavenly Father understands the fragility of humans and their inability to meet His requirements. Hence, God made a way by sending His Son Lord Jesus Christ to fulfil the Law and die as a substitute. The risen Saviour promises the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who helps a believer to live a righteous life.
Spiritual suicide: Heavenly Father does not send humanity to commit spiritual suicide. God sends the Good News to all humanity through the Global Church. Rejecting the gospel is spiritual suicide.
Have I received God’s grace and live a Holy life?