“ Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”(Romans 6:12–13,NIV)
Human life, both soul and body, belongs to God. The true purpose of life is to“love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind,” just as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37. But because of sin, many people live under the power of Satan. They follow the desires of the flesh and the cravings of their hearts. Satan not only draws people into destructive lifestyles but also deceives them into ending their own lives. His goal is to lead people away from hope and into destruction.
In 2021, South Korea had the highest suicide rate among the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Based on the OECD’s standard population model, Korea reported 23.5 suicides per 100,000 people. This number is more than twice the OECD average of 10.9. Among youth, the suicide rate in Korea was 4.9 per 100,000 which is well above the OECD average of 3.4. The 2021 Youth Statistics report published by Statistics Korea and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family showed that suicide has been the top cause of death among Korean youth between the ages of 9 and 24 for nine years in a row. In 2019, 9.9 out of every 100,000 young people in this age group died by suicide. Between 2016 and 2020, the suicide rate among teenagers rose from 4.9 to 6.5. Among people in their twenties, the rate increased from 16.4 to 21.7. Both age groups saw an increase of 32.5 percent. According to OECD data, the countries with the highest teen suicide rates include New Zealand, Lithuania, Canada, Australia, Norway, Finland, and South Korea.
According to the 2022 Suicide Countermeasures Factsheet published by the Citizens’ Assembly for Respect for Life, the number of elementary, middle, and high school students in South Korea considered at risk of suicide was 20,682 as of 2020. The suicide attempt rate among students was 2.0 percent, with 1.4 percent for boys and 2.7 percent for girls. When examining the causes of student suicides, data from 2015 listed family discord with 34 cases, academic stress with 20 cases, and other reasons with 13 cases. However, by 2020, there was a significant shift. Suicides due to unknown causes surged to 74 cases. This was followed by pessimism or depression with 22 cases, family discord with 22 cases, and academic stress with 14 cases. While suicides caused by family or school-related stress declined, the number of cases with no clearly identified cause increased sharply. The Good Teachers Movement commented that many of these “unknown causes” likely involved violence or group bullying.
Lee Mi-won, chairperson of the Korea Youth Counseling and Welfare Center Council, stated that self-harm and suicide-related counseling among youth has been increasing steadily. In one region, reports showed the number of such consultations had more than doubled over a short period. She explained that academic stress, relationship problems, and family issues are the most common reasons young people consider suicide. She added that when academic stress is not alleviated through support from peers or family, it often leads to serious thoughts of suicide.
》Prayer Points
1. Most countries with high youth suicide rates are not struggling nations facing war or famine. They are wealthy and comfortable societies. This shows that many young people in these environments are trapped in self-focused thoughts and emotions. Let us pray that God’s Word about life and death will be taught to the next generation, especially to those who are vulnerable to the temptation and danger of suicide.
2. Let us pray that the lies and harmful influences that promote and glorify suicide through the internet, social media, dramas, and movies will come to a stop in both homes and schools. May parents, educators, government leaders, and the church come together to promote the value of life and actively work toward real solutions and prevention efforts.
》Scripture Prayer
(Proverbs 20:1–12,NIV) 1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;those who anger him forfeit their lives. 3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. 4 Sluggards do not plow in season;so at harvest time they look but find nothing. 5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,but one who has insight draws them out. 6 Many claim to have unfailing love,but a faithful person who can find? 7 The righteous lead blameless lives;blessed are their children after them. 8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,he winnows out all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say,“I have kept my heart pure;I am clean and without sin”? 10 Differing weights and differing measures—the Lord detests them both. 11 Even small children are known by their actions,so is their conduct really pure and upright? 12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. In this world filled with sin, many in the next generation choose death in their suffering. Let us pray for God’s mercy on them. May they lift their eyes from the emptiness of this world and the ignorance of eternal life. May they come to know the love of God who gave His life for us, be saved through the gospel, and live victoriously through faith.
2. Let us stand against the schemes of Satan, who seeks to deceive young minds and lead them to destruction through suicide. May the evil that tells them it is acceptable to follow the despair in their hearts and reject God be broken. Let us pray to the Lord, who created ears to hear and eyes to see, will open their ears, eyes, and hearts. May they come to fear God, repent, and find wisdom and life in the gospel of the cross.
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