Biblical Answer

The Nature of Wishing and Freedom

The question of whether it is wrong to wish one had never been born is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, the fact that we cannot alter our characteristics by mere force of will suggests that we are not entirely free to wish as we wish. However, we are free to do as we wish, and our wishes can reflect our true desires and values. The question then becomes whether our wishes, particularly those that express a desire to not have been born, reflect a heart filled with the Holy Spirit or the work of darkness.

The Biblical Perspective on Wishing and Existence

From a biblical perspective, wishing one had never been born is not a reflection of a heart filled with the Holy Spirit. In fact, the Bible teaches that life is a precious gift from God, and we are to be thankful for it. As John Wyclif said, "I conceive I was not born in vain." This perspective is rooted in the belief that God is sovereign over all creation and that He has a purpose for each of our lives. When we wish we had never been born, we are essentially saying that God's plan for our life is not good, which is not a reflection of God's character.

The Importance of Trusting God's Plan

Ultimately, the question of whether it is wrong to wish one had never been born depends on our perspective on God's plan for our lives. If we trust that God is sovereign and that He has a purpose for each of us, then we can begin to see our existence as a gift, rather than a burden. As we reflect on our wishes and desires, we can ask ourselves what it is we want from God and why we want it. We can begin to see that God's plan for our lives is not about making us happy or blessed right now, but about our ultimate future completeness in Christ. By trusting in God's plan, we can begin to see our existence as a precious gift, rather than a source of despair.