Who are you?

It was Hippocrates, five centuries before Christ, who is believed to have taken the basic theory of temperament and framed it as a medical concept. The names of the four temperaments are thought to originate from bodily fluids associated with the liver, heart, lungs, and kidneys. While science has evolved, the foundational idea remains: temperament offers a meaningful key to understanding the mystery of who we are.

The ancient phrase “know thyself,” inscribed on the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, served as a powerful reminder then—and still does today. Without understanding who we are, it is difficult to fully understand much else. Temperament provides a starting point for that lifelong discovery.

Our inborn temperament is placed within us by God while we are still in our mother’s womb. It is not something we choose, nor does it disappear with age. This temperament remains with us throughout our lives. However, the way it is expressed—or suppressed—can be influenced by several factors:

• Our upbringing and early family experiences

• Our environment

• Our education and training

• And the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives

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Temperament shapes how we interact with the world and the people around us. It also affects how we perceive ourselves and how we interpret the actions and intentions of those who love us.

Sometimes We Wear a Mask

At times, a person may learn or adopt behaviors that differ significantly from their inborn temperament. This “mask” can be developed for survival, acceptance, or approval. While it may appear functional on the surface, it often conceals the true temperament beneath. When this happens, core temperament needs go unmet, resulting in internal stress, emotional fatigue, and relational conflict.

Understanding Our Conflicts

Every individual is uniquely created, with distinct temperament needs. When we attempt to meet these needs apart from our relationship with God, conflict often arises. This conflict may stem from:

• Trying to satisfy our needs outside of God’s design and purpose

• Focusing heavily on meeting certain needs while neglecting others

• Reacting with anger, frustration, or withdrawal when needs remain unmet

Unaddressed temperament needs can quietly shape our behavior, relationships, and emotional health.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Each temperament carries both strengths and weaknesses. A temperament profile highlights patterns commonly associated with that temperament—not as a label or limitation, but as a guide. These descriptions do not define you fully as an individual, but they do point to areas of potential strength to be cultivated and areas of vulnerability to be guarded.

As you read or discuss a temperament profile, it is important to remember that it offers a general framework, not a definitive interpretation of your life or behavior. Its value lies in helping you recognize strengths you can develop, weaknesses you can address, and unmet needs that may be contributing to stress or relational tension.

While examining our weaknesses can be uncomfortable, openness to growth allows God to bring healing and transformation. Greater self-awareness often leads to healthier relationships, deeper compassion, and more effective communication with those we love.

Creation Therapy Temperament CounselingDiscover the real you.