The full text of this tract is shown below in the NKJV version. (Do you want to print this tract in a different version than the one listed? Contact us and let us know what you're looking for—we may be able to create the alternate version for you at no charge.)

We read about it in the news almost every day. A man kills his wife and children, and then kills himself. A lone gunman opens fire in a shopping mall. A teenaged girl conspires to kill her parents so she can be with her boyfriend. A teen takes a gun to school, and without a word, begins shooting at students and teachers.

It seems that a growing number of people are arriving at the same conclusion…lashing out with violence (often accompanied by suicide) is a good way to solve life’s problems.

And what are life’s problems?

• Unemployment
• Unhappy relationships, lost relationships, or lack of relationships
• Being the target of bullying
• Desiring revenge for past wrongs
• Drug and alcohol addictions
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues
• Financial stress
• Lack of self-worth
• Longing to do something “big” and gain attention
• Trauma from previous emotional, physical or sexual abuse

The list of problems goes on and on.

For some individuals, violence toward others and suicide may seem like one way to solve life’s problems. After all, if you are angry at someone, you can satisfy your desire for vengeance by committing violence against that person. And if you want to escape the punishment of the law for your deeds (or just escape the misery of your life, in general), you can commit suicide, and everything will end.

But there is a problem with that way of thinking. Many individuals don’t realize that violence and suicide don’t lead to freedom from consequences; violence and suicide don’t guarantee the end of personal misery.

In fact, violence and suicide lead to something far, far worse—a consequence we won’t typically find discussed in news media reports.

Certainly, the news media provides details of violent crimes, and we can see the immediate aftermath, including the amount of attention that is often poured out on the perpetrator and his or her victims. It might even seem like killers attain a sort of celebrity status.

But what we can’t see is the ultimate destiny for the perpetrator. However, the Bible has a lot to say about that.

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

After our earthly lives are over, God will judge every one of us for the deeds we did while we were alive.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may  receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

“The wages of the righteous is life, the income of the wicked, punishment.” Proverbs 10:16 (NASB)

In fact, in the Final Judgment, God will say to those who have done evil during their earthly lives, and who have died without turning to Jesus Christ and repenting from their sins:

“Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41

How tragic it is that some people do not realize the consequences of their choices!

In their pain and desperation, they seek escape and may even crave the notoriety and attention they know their violent acts will receive. But their terrible decisions may end up destroying them for all eternity!

And it is not just people who commit crimes who need to be concerned about God’s judgment. Every single one of us (if we had the ability to review the entirety of our lives—every thought, word and deed) would have to honestly admit that we are sinners. And try as we might, we fall short every day to live up to a standard of moral perfection. In fact, the Bible says:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

But God hasn’t left us alone in our sinfulness.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sins. In order to take advantage of this wonderful gift, we need to repent from our sins—realize that we have been going the wrong way, and turn toward God's way, placing our faith in Jesus Christ-—trusting Him  to cleanse, forgive, and save us.

But where does that leave the desperate soul, the one who feels so far off from God because he (or she) has already committed violence or other criminal acts, or is considering committing a crime?

There is a very great hope for those individuals. For the same God who punishes the wicked is also the same God who graciously provides a way out. Many believe that God only cares about the “good” people. But in fact, Jesus says:

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:32

If anyone puts his faith in Jesus Christ, Jesus will come into that person’s life, give him a new life, and never abandon him.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37

However, putting one’s faith in Jesus Christ will not take away all of a person’s earthly troubles.

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Yes, there will be storms in life, but the person who puts his faith in Jesus Christ will never have to face another storm alone again.

The person who chooses to believe in and follow Jesus Christ can find a new life on earth, and will have the wonderful assurance of living in heaven for all eternity.

Friend, would you like to receive this wonderful gift of God’s mercy and love? You can do this today, by reaching out to Jesus Christ in faith and repenting of your sins. You may wish to say a prayer such as the following, or one of your own:

“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I believe you are the son of God who died for my sins. I repent from my sins, and ask you to come into my life as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”

Once you have accepted Christ as your Savior, tell someone!

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Back to top of page