Did God plan our personality traits? Are they inherited? Why are we as we are?

Did God plan our personality traits? Are they inherited? Why are we as we are?

There are many types of personalities in the world, and yet we all differ in slight variations from one another.

Some are overly sensitive, many are indifferent or cold, some are compassionate and giving, others are argumentative, while some simply enjoy criticizing others. Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are? Did we learn this in our formative years, or are our feelings of anger, compassion the result of our experiences? Allow me to share with you what I feel and what I have discovered with you.

The Ph.D. psychologist Erik Erikson’s theory suggests that our character develops in eight phases, accompanied by psychological crises that must be managed.

First, the following is an interpretation by Dr. Linnea Passaler, updated Dec. 18, 2023.

The highly sensitive person traits

Strong Sensory Preferences: Individuals with strong sensory preferences actively seek or avoid certain stimuli, shaping their engagement with the world. This could range from relishing the texture of foods to avoiding intense sensations that others find unproblematic.

Sensitivity to Subtle Internal and External Stimuli: This trait involves a heightened awareness of subtle changes, from temperature shifts to the faint aroma of flowers. Those with this sensitivity experience the world in vivid detail, noticing things others might overlook.

Emotional and Physiological Reactivity: For those who resonate with emotional and physiological reactivity, their emotional responses resemble a vibrant spectrum with bold colors painting their inner world. This intensity sets them apart, contributing to a rich emotional landscape.

Social and Affective Sensitivity: Social and affective sensitivity involves the ability to perceive others’ emotions without explicit communication. Individuals with this trait navigate social landscapes skillfully, picking up on friends’ distress or subtle tensions in a room.

Aesthetic Sensitivity: Aesthetic Sensitivity encompasses a heightened appreciation for beauty across various forms. From art and music to literature and nature. However, aesthetically sensitive individuals may find unkempt environments stressful.

   However, there is always a bit of biology and genetics, yet these areas have never been able to predict one’s size, height, etc.

The Catholic Bible suggests that God has a significant role in our developing personality and human traits. The Church teaches that God shares His nature with humanity, making each person unique and irreplaceable as an image of God. And although God is often described as having emotions, these are metaphors for how humans relate to Him, and not God reacting to the actions of humans. Additionally. The Bible reveals that God fulfills His saving plan of love, which includes the development of human traits. These teachings collectively affirm that God is involved in the formation and development of our personalities and human traits.

How does God effectively complete this transition in us?

Inwardly, we change in our perception of ourselves, the way that God sees us, and relinquish the thought of who we once were. Outwardly, others see the sensitivity and compassion that is within us.

When does this change occur? This change occurs when we sincerely and wholeheartedly become submissive to the will of God and want nothing more in life than to become pleasing to Him.

Letting Go and Letting God lead us with our willingness to follow is how God changes our personality. We become changed inwardly and outwardly.