BCSBible Character Study
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Enneagram type 1

1. The Reformer

Driven to do what is right and make things better.

At a glance

Core desire

To be good, right and whole.

Core fear

Being bad, wrong or beyond repair.

Strengths

  • Honest and principled
  • Works hard to make things better
  • Notices what needs fixing
  • Keeps promises

Struggles and blind spots

  • Harsh with self and others
  • Hides anger behind being right
  • Finds it hard to rest
  • Sees mistakes before gifts

Under stress

Turns inward, moody and sure no one understands. Moves toward 4, the Individualist.

When growing

Loosens up, finds joy and lets things be good enough. Moves toward 7, the Enthusiast.

Where the gospel meets this type

Jesus kept the law perfectly in our place, so being right with God is a gift, not a grade (Romans 3:21-24). There is now no condemnation for those in him (Romans 8:1). The one who longs to be good can rest, because Christ has already been good for them.

The Enneagram is a lens for reflection, not a diagnosis.

People in Scripture wired this way (17)

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