As a counselor, you will share some of the deepest and darkest moments with others. For me those moments are walking with women who struggle with suicidal ideation. Some of whom I’ve lost. Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the US for all ages[1]. This statistic alerts us that the people who could be considering suicide are in our church, homes, families, neighborhoods, and work. We must be prepared to provide care to someone who is threatening suicide or engaging in suicidal behavior. 

By looking at the narrative of Jonah, we’ll discover four godly characteristics we can adopt to aid those who have lost hope for living. 

Compassionate. 

The Lord commanded Jonah to preach against Ninevah’s ruthlessness and idolatry. However, Jonah chose to flee (1:3). Just like Moses stated in Exodus 34:6 and David in Psalm 86:15, Jonah declares in 4:2, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” Jonah wanted justice his way for Nineveh, not God’s compassion. 

Despite Jonah’s self-centered disobedience, God demonstrated compassion to him (4:1-4), comforted him (4:5-8), and taught him (4:9-11). Jonah, who would rather die than see Ninevites


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