The story was heartbreaking. A pastor had taken his own life after a tragic fall into sin. He was already distant from God, and on his way to a conference, he took a detour to a place where he thought no one would recognize him. He entered a bar, ordered a drink, and struck up a conversation with a woman nearby. One thing led to another, and soon they left together for a hotel. In the midst of intimacy, she said stop. But he didn’t stop.
She left and called the police. He was arrested and charged with rape. Later, authorities discovered he had similar charges pending in another city.
Placed in jail, awaiting trial, his thoughts were likely filled with overwhelming despair. He faced the reality that life as he knew it was over. He could not see a way forward. His mind seemed incapable of resting on his loving wife or their three young children. All he could envision was the darkness ahead. To him, all seemed lost. He saw no hope.
In that cell, he fashioned his belt into a noose. Alone and hopeless, he ended his life. They found him hanging, already gone. His life was over.
The story made headlines across the country. Bloggers fueled the fire, spreading their commentary laced with bitterness and judgment. In the aftermath, a wife and three young children were left to navigate not only the grief of losing a husband and father but also the shame and pain surrounding his death. A church was left to piece together shattered trust and move forward. Somehow, as difficult as it was, life went on. It always does.
Stories like these bring deep grief. While hearts ache for those affected by his sins, there is also mourning for the man himself. If only he had known there was someone he could call. If only he had understood that God’s grace was still within reach. If only he had realized there was still something to live for.
Perhaps one conversation wouldn’t have changed the outcome. But maybe, just maybe, it would have.
Here’s what could have been said to him:
1. God still loves you.
Why is it so hard to believe this simple truth? No matter what has been done, God’s love never wavers. Even the most notorious sinner in history is loved by God. Human nature compels focus on the victims, and rightly so. Yet God, in His infinite capacity, loves even those who cause harm. This is not an excuse for wrongdoing, but a testament to God’s boundless grace.
“Brother, please remember, God loves you just as much today as He always has.”
2. God will forgive and cleanse you.
God’s forgiveness does not erase consequences, but it does restore the relationship with Him. All He asks is for a broken heart and a contrite spirit. There are no hoops to jump through. Just come as you are.
“Brother, you are already broken. Let that brokenness drive you to God. Confess your sins, and let Him cleanse you.”
3. God still has a purpose for you.
Even in the darkest pit, God’s purpose remains. It may not look like the envisioned life, but He can redeem and repurpose any life surrendered to Him. Prison may have been part of that journey, but even there, God could have used him.
“The life you knew may be over, but God’s plans are not. His grace will carry you forward.”
4. You are loved.
In moments of despair, few things are more healing than knowing someone loves you. Love should not be withheld from a fellow sinner. When at the lowest point, someone’s love can become a lifeline.
“Brother, you are loved. Let there be a friend when the world condemns you. Let someone remind you of God’s mercy, even as man’s justice is faced.”
It often brings wonder about what might have been if just one phone call had been made. Perhaps nothing would have changed. But maybe, just maybe, everything would have.
Perhaps this message is not in vain. Maybe it’s meant for someone else who feels like life is over.
If this resonates and the feeling exists that there is no way out, let this be a reminder—God loves deeply. He forgives. He still has a purpose. And there are those who care.
Reach out. There is hope, even now.