Peter

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet”. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”                                            John 13:6-9

The third temperament we will examine is the Sanguine Temperament. The primary characteristic of the Sanguine is social expression. Sanguines are expressive, and indeed may “think out loud”. They tend to be external processors. Whereas the introverts are internal processors, extroverts like the Sanguine, process externally.

Peter is chosen as an example of the Sanguine type because he seemed so uninhibited and impulsive. He needed to SAY something when an event happened. Peter would at times impulsively rebuke Jesus, then need to repent immediately. When Jesus was washing the feet of the disciples, Peter at first refused, then when Jesus told him the consequences, Peter quickly changed his mind.

Finally, Peter was the one who brashly said that he would never deny Jesus, yet he did so three times within hours of his boast. Later in his life, we find that Peter had tremendous courage, and was willing to speak and lead in dramatic ways, even dying a martyr’s death.

Sanguines can be engaging, vocal, spirited, charismatic, and exuberant leaders. Yet they can be impulsive and shallow if they do not manage their strengths well. Sanguines can bring the best out in others, and lead the way in making things fun and interesting.

Tomorrow, we deal with the last example of Temperament. Stay tuned to see who that character might be!

Prayer: As you made clear to Peter, you came to earth to serve. Thank you for the example of service that you gave to us, Amen.