What is temperament? Temperament is the inborn (not genetic) part of you that determines how you react to people, places and things. It is how you interact with your environment and the world around you. Temperament pinpoints your perception of yourself and of the people who love you. It is also a determining factor in how well you handle the stresses and pressures of life.
What is the purpose of temperament? The purpose of temperament is to show you that God uniquely created you.
Are there any right or wrong temperaments? No, when you were conceived your unique temperament was placed within you by God for a purpose.
What are the three areas of temperament? The three areas of temperament are:
Inclusion – This area indicates how you are in social interactions, surface relationships and intellectual energies.
Control – This area indicates your willingness to make decisions and to accept responsibility for yourself and/or others.
Affection – This area indicates your need to express and receive love and approval and your need for deep personal relationships.
Within your own unique temperament you have areas of strengths that can be encouraged and also you have areas of weaknesses that you can be made aware of.
What are the benefits of learning about my unique temperament?
- You will learn that you have specific needs. If you are attempting to meet these needs apart from your relationship with God, you may find that there is unnecessary conflict in your life. If you find yourself spending all of your energy on meeting some needs while ignoring others, you may find unnecessary conflict. Or, if you are reacting in a negative way to your unmet needs, you may find unnecessary conflict. Who really wants unnecessary conflict?
- You will find out what in life brings you the most satisfaction and enjoyment when choosing your career or new hobbies.
- You will learn how to make decisions and take responsibility for yourself.
- You will learn how to resolve conflicts and improve your relationships with loved ones.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalm 139:14-18