Merry Christmas! "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." -Luke 2:8-14 KJV   From everyone on the NCCA staff to each of you, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

This Thanksgiving, let us all be reminded of our Godly heritage and give thanks to our Lord for it. May we also take heart to share with one another on this holiday and extend kindness to our neighbors as exemplified in the first Thanksgiving. We want to express our gratitude for being afforded the freedoms to worship our God, both publicly in the church house with fellow believers and privately in our homes with family and friends. Would you take a moment with us to reflect on the blessings in our lives and offer thanks to our Lord? "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." -Psalm 107:1 NIV

Join us in Louisville for the 2026 NCCA Conference! Celebrating 45 Years of Christ-centered Counseling We’re excited to invite you to the 2026 NCCA National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, as we celebrate 45 years of ministry and impact through Christian counseling! Whether you're just starting your journey or have been a Certified Temperament Counselor for years, this conference is a time to grow, connect, and be renewed in your calling. One of the highlights this year is a special dessert cruise on the Mary M. Miller Riverboat - an evening of sweet treats, fellowship, and fun on the scenic Ohio River. You’ll hear from inspiring speakers who will equip you with biblical insight, encouragement, and practical tools for your counseling ministry. Each session is designed to strengthen your walk and your work as a Christian counselor. Let’s celebrate 45 years of God’s faithfulness together. Make plans to join us in Louisville - details coming soon!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,​ whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.​" James 1:2-3 NIV ​It often seems difficult for us to find joy in the midst of adversity, but according to scripture, that's exactly what God directs us to do. Like a single flower blooming in a barren landscape, we are called to bring joy wherever we are and whatever the circumstances. It strengthens our faith and aligns us with our Maker. God knows the difficulties that you are walking through. So, count it all joy!

Click The Book To Learn More Many of us want to pray more, but we feel unsure of what to say. In this inspiring 365-day devotional prayer book, Jesus Listens , Sarah Young, author of the New York Times bestselling Jesus Calling , helps you come to God in all circumstances through a year of daily prayers based on the words of Scripture. Over many years, Sarah has nurtured a deep prayer life that has strengthened her relationship with Jesus and led to the writing of Jesus Calling . She draws on that closeness with God to offer honest prayers for readers who... have been praying for years but long for renewed biblical insights want to pray God's promises straight from Scripture are going through difficult times are new to faith and not sure how to begin in prayer have found spiritual rest in Jesus Calling and Jesus Always are eager to start a meaningful new spiritual discipline The biblical basis for each prayer in Jesus Listens is given at the end of each entry so you can continually return to God's promises in Scripture. Jesus Listens includes: a beautiful two-color interior 365 days of Bible-based prayers Scripture references with emphasis on words quoted directly from the Bible a ribbon marker to hold your place Whether you gift Jesus Listens or pick it up yourself to establish a more consistent prayer practice, Sarah Young's words and her constant return to the Word of God will enrich your prayer life like never before. By praying Scripture through this daily devotional prayer book, you'll experience how intentional prayer connects you to God, changes your heart, and can even move mountains.

Dr. Cassandra Montgomery DIVINE BREAD OF LIFE INTERNATIONAL AN NCCA CERTIFIED ACADEMIC INSTITUTION Dr. Cassandra A. Montgomery is the Founder and Director of Divine Bread of Life International, Inc., a CAI center under the National Christian Counseling Association (NCCA). She has been a member, teaching the material of the National Christian Counseling Association for over twenty years. In addition, she has been a supervisor for Sarasota Academy Christian Counseling (SACC), as well as a Professor at Northwind Theological Seminary. Dr. C, as she is affectionately known, has a God-given gift to teach and a selfless sense of service. She has taught numerous individuals and guided them as their instructor through their educational experiences. These students have received Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate's degrees under Dr. Montgomery’s tutelage. Dr. Montgomery has a vast background in education and many credentials. She is an NCCA Clinical Supervisor, Diplomate member, Christian Marriage and Family Therapist, Board-Certified Supervisor for Temperament Clinical Counselors, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor with Advanced Certification. Dr. Montgomery has the following credentials as a coach and therapist. She is a Temperament Life Coach, Pastoral Temperament Life Coach, Certified Family and Mental Health Therapist with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and holds membership with the American Association of Christian Counselors. She is certified in Prophetic Ministry, and she is being certified as a Temperament Life Coach; she also holds the sacred office of Bishop. Dr. C has made it her life’s mission to live as an example for Jesus and to teach as many as are willing to learn. In the midst of this terrible generation, and what’s going on now in the world today, I continue to pray for Divine Bread of Life, Northwind, NCCA, and SACC. Because we are all working together, look at what the Lord has done. Let me tell you how the Lord is blessing my CAI. When it doesn’t look good, just look to God. He’s rich in mercy. The Lord is blessing us. Right now, we have students in each program. There are four students in the Special Program, three in the Associates Program, four in the Bachelor Program, four in the Master Program, and three in the Doctoral Program. All because of His Mercy and Grace. My scripture for the CAI is Philippians 4:1-4. The Lord is also blessing my counseling ministry, Grace Counseling Center. We have twenty-five clients, and more will come because a lot of people are hurting. It is the Holy Spirit in me who cares for His people—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let the Holy Spirit work through you. Be blessed in the name of Jesus. I would like to give Honor and Grace to Drs. Phylis and Richard Arno, Rev. Steve and Erin Baran, Dr. Duncan, and the rest of the CAIs and counselors.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE By: Dr. Phyllis J. Arno Supine in Affection We have all heard the question: “What is love?” As Christians, we often answer, “God is love,” and encourage people to read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 : Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, It does not boast, It is not proud, It is not rude, It is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always perseveres. Many people respond, “But I can’t be patient or kind like that!” So what do we tell them? The answer is simple: if a person has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior , then God’s unconditional love already lives in them, because God is love  ( 1 John 4:16 ). All they need to do is “tap into” His love  by letting go of their own conditional love and allowing God’s unconditional love to flow through them. When they do this, their love is no longer based on conditions—it becomes unconditional. God’s Command to Love Deuteronomy 6:5–9 tells us: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Other helpful Scriptures include: Matthew 22:37–39  – Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. John 3:16  – God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. John 13:34  – Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. John 14:23–24  – Those who love Jesus will obey His words. 2 Corinthians 7:1  – Purify yourself in body and spirit, out of reverence for God. Philippians 1:9–10  – Pray that love grows in knowledge and discernment. 2 Timothy 1:7  – God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. 1 John 4:7–8, 15–16, 21  – Love one another, for love comes from God. Whoever loves is born of God, for God is love . What Is Unconditional Love? The Bible teaches that God loves us unconditionally . Unconditional love means love without strings attached —we cannot earn it. Wikipedia : “Affection without any limitations, or love without conditions.” Webster’s : “Not subject to limitations or reservations.” True love cannot be fully understood until we experience God’s love , because His love is perfect and unconditional. However, we must also understand that God’s love does not overlook sin . Proverbs 6:16–19  lists seven things the Lord hates: A proud look A lying tongue Hands that shed innocent blood A heart plotting evil Feet quick to do mischief A false witness One who causes discord among brothers Supine in Affection Now, let’s look at some of the Supine temperament tendencies  in the area of Affection . Supines in Affection tend to: Be responders, not initiators Need a lot of love and affection Expect close relationships to “read their minds” Easily feel rejected Be romantic Value intimacy as much as sex Have a gentle, tender spirit Become emotional and cry Need frequent reassurance that they are loved Supines in Affection need to learn: To look to Jesus first  for love and affection, so they don’t place unrealistic expectations  on others To express  their needs instead of expecting others to guess them To stop assuming rejection and instead trust  in their close relationships That it’s okay to enjoy romance, like candlelight dinners or soft music That showing emotions and crying is healthy—it’s a form of release To rest in God’s love , knowing their worth comes from Him—He will never leave or forsake them How can a supine in affection learn to love unconditionally? By turning to God first  for their emotional needs By understanding that God’s love does not go away when we fail By remembering that God’s love  is the model we are to follow By learning not to be just an observer or responder  in relationships. If they do not take initiative, they may seem distant or selfish By staying engaged  in their deep relationships and learning to give love, not just receive it By finding a healthy balance —meeting others’ emotional needs, not just their own NOTE TO COUNSELOR: When working with someone who is Supine in Affection, be sure to consider their: Learned behavior Birth order Walk with the Lord These factors can deeply affect how the Supine temperament shows up in their affectionate relationships.

“To everything [there is] a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:A time to be born, And a time to die;” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a NKJV) Recently, a very courageous Christian brother was gunned down while having a debate on a college campus. He put himself out there on the front line, not knowing what he would face. He knew there would be confrontations, disagreements, and he would face slanderous remarks to share the truth. He was prepared for that. He had faced these trials many times before.  Charlie Kirk loved the people, and he loved what he did. He had a strong relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was not afraid to talk about Him. He knew Whose he was and where he was going. In light of this recent event, we might take a long, hard look at our own relationship with the Lord.  It’s time!  It's time for what? Time to stand up in Jesus' name and listen to what the Holy Spirit asks us to do each moment of the day. Does this mean spending more time with that family member or neighbor who needs to know Jesus?  Yes, it’s time! It’s our time! It’s His time! Let’s make every moment count!

This path was once maintained and easy to walk, but as you can see, it has now been overtaken by plants, weeds, and fallen trees. What once was easy and free of obstruction is now a challenge to get through. Looking at this path’s entrance, it’s pretty easy to see things that could hinder my walk along the way. It’s not always easy to see things that get in the way on our walk with Christ. It starts off a bit narrow, but it’s pretty clear, fresh, and new. But then…life can pull us away from the path God has us on. We find ourselves on a path that looks broad and clear. It’s enticing. Here’s where we step onto the path of “self” with very dangerous, very hidden obstructions that Jesus warns us of in Matt. 7:13 NIV:  "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Go back to the path that Jesus led you to. Put on your hiking boots of peace, roll up your spiritual sleeves, sweat a bit, step through some muck, and see God move in miraculous ways, in your life and in others. “My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” (Job 23:11 NIV) Oh…and “count it all joy!!!” (James 1:2a NIV)

Dr. Ginger McBride Open Door: Christian Counseling and Life Coaching   An NCCA Certified Academic Institution Open Door: Christian Counseling and Life Coaching is certified by the National Christian Counseling Association (NCCA). Dr. McBride has been affiliated with the NCCA since 2016.   She is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor—Advanced Certification. Hearing God’s Voice God has made plans for each one of us. His plans for us are as individual as our appearance. We don’t all look alike; God’s plans for us are just as unique. In fact, before He formed us, He made special plans for us, and He wrote them down. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16 NLT.  There is hardly one day of counseling that goes by without me sharing this verse. It is powerful. Because God created us and wrote our life story in His book, He knows us and understands us. He will speak to us differently as we develop a relationship with Him. Don’t worry about how he communicates with someone else. How does He communicate with us as individuals? In Isaiah, God gives an example of how different grain is planted, harvested, and prepared for food. (Isaiah 28:24-29) The farmer knows some seeds need to be covered with soil; some seeds need to be scattered on top of the ground. Our Creator knows how to personally communicate with us if we want to hear Him.  Wouldn’t it be great if God told us the plans He has for us? Wouldn’t it save a lot of time and trouble if we just knew those plans and could go about implementing them? Well, for a Choleric, it would be great to have a checklist, but God is not only task-oriented; He is also relationship-oriented. In fact, He will give up the Choleric task for the Sanguine relationship. Remember when Jesus sat with Mary and chastised Martha for asking that her sister help with the chore of putting food on the table? (Luke 10:41-42) In the case of Abraham, God told him he would have a son. (Genesis 15:4; 18:10) God spent 25 years making Abraham a father who would love and trust Him more than anything.  (Genesis 12:4; 21:2) God desired that relationship with Abraham. Abraham was called a friend of God. (James 2:23) When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, God knew He could trust Abraham to walk three days into the wilderness with his son, the wood, and the fire. (Genesis 22:2) Then, at the time of the sacrifice, God provided a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. (Genesis 22:13) God knew Abraham could be trusted because He knows the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10) Abraham’s trust in God developed as their relationship did. Through the story of Abraham, God wants us to know we can trust Him when He asks us to do what seems unimaginable. Our trust in God is deepened through our personal relationship with Him. Knowing God’s Voice In order to know the extraordinary plans God has for each of us, we have to be able to recognize His voice. We have to discern the voice of God and distinguish it from the voices of ourselves, the world, and the enemy. Jesus says, My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 NLT. We recognize God’s voice when we hear it enough. I know my mother’s voice because I have heard it enough. I know it when she scolds me and when she praises me. Even though she no longer lives on earth, at times, I can still hear her voice of correction and assurance in my mind. So, it is with God’s voice. We must hear it enough to distinguish it from any other voice. If we want a word from the Lord, we must open the Bible. It is full of God’s words of truth. Any word from God will align with the Bible, but we have to read it to know what it says. Here’s the really cool part in Jesus’ own words: But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 NASB. When we read the Bible and when we memorize scripture, what does the Holy Spirit do? He brings all things to our remembrance. We recognize His voice because we have heard it enough, and the Holy Spirit brings it to our remembrance. Listening for God’s Voice You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NASB. God wants to be found. God wants to make His plans for us known to us. He wants us to search for Him. In the searching, we develop this awesome relationship with Him. Ask God to reveal His calling. We can ask Him to reveal the plans He has for us. When God called Jeremiah, he was young. Jeremiah was listening when God spoke, I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 NASB. Jeremiah argued that he was too young. God wanted Jeremiah to know his age was not the determining factor of his calling. Don’t say , ‘I’m too young, for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you...   ...Look I have put words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down...   ...Others you must build up and plant.’ ” Jeremiah 1:7,9-10. NASB. Our calling may not be as clear as Jeremiah’s was, but we still must listen to hear God’s voice.   Obeying God’s Voice Obedience is bringing our will into alignment with God’s will. When God lays a burden on our hearts, we must obey, but also understand the timing. Moses had a problem with timing. Even though Moses lived in the palace of Pharaoh until he was 40 years old, I sense God had put a desire in his heart to free his people from slavery. (Acts 7:25) He stepped ahead of God’s plans for him and killed a man. (Exodus 2:11-12) When this murder was discovered, Moses had to flee Egypt to the land of Midian. In Midian, he became a shepherd and a family man. (Exodus 2:21-22) He was living his best life until his curiosity got the best of him. He encountered a bush in the desert that did not burn up. At the burning bush, God called him to free his people from the slavery of the Egyptians. (Exodus 3:2-8) Moses had to wait for the right timing.  On the other hand, in the story of Mary and Joseph, it was necessary for Joseph to respond immediately. God knew He could trust Joseph because Joseph had developed a strong relationship with God. When God told Joseph to get up and take Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt, Joseph didn’t wait until morning. He got up immediately, in the middle of the night, and left Bethlehem. No questions; no excuses. (Matthew 2:13-14) The first act of obedience for us must be salvation. The Holy Spirit urges, and God waits for us to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 5:12 NLT.   That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:9-10. NASB.  ...“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NLT . Salvation is the beginning of this wonderful walk-in obedience to God. Seasons of Callings There are seasons of callings. Moses spent 40 years in Pharaoh’s court. He knew the proceedings and rules of order. Then before he spoke to Pharaoh on behalf of the Israelites, he  spent 40 years as a shepherd in the deserts of Midian. (Exodus 7:7) For every season, God prepared Moses for the next season. The next 40 years would be spent leading the Israelites in the wilderness before crossing into the promised land. (Exodus 16:35) Moses himself, was not allowed to cross over into the promised land because of an act of disobedience. The Israelites were thirsty and demanded water. Moses and his brother Aaron asked God for water. God wanted them to speak to the rock for water. Instead, Moses struck the rock, twice, out of anger. God told them that they would not enter the promised land because they disobeyed. (Numbers 20:6-12) At 120 years of age, Moses saw the promised land from the mountain where he died. (Deuteronomy 34:1-7) Moses’ story teaches us that we should obey God’s calling, that there are consequences to disobedience, and that we should be aware of the timing for God’s calling. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells us there is a time for everything. (Ecc. 3:1-8) In my own life, there was a time of growing up in a God-loving family and receiving education. Then there was a time of working in a medical research laboratory. There was a time for marriage to a wonderful man, and a time to be a stay-at-home mom raising four amazing children. There was a time for international missions, and a time for jail ministry. During a jail ministry visit, a chaplain suggested National Christian Counselors Association and The Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling. My first course was, Created in God’s Image by Drs. Richard and Phyllis Arno. After taking that class, I knew the next season of my life involved Christian counseling. God has used every season of my life to prepare me for the next season.  As for this season, I continue to receive a blessing every time I share the APS, watching the “lights come on” and seeing smiles on the faces of counselees.  Counselees are set free of the expectations of themselves and others. They can live life according to God’s plan. They can study God’s word while they learn to hear God’s voice. They can discover the amazing calling God has for their lives. As for me, it is an awe-inspiring journey as I help others hear God’s voice and answer His calling. Reasons For Hearing Why do we need to hear God’s voice? We have work to do. God’s main concerns are for those who are perishing. It is His will that no one perish. The Lord does not delay His promise as some understand delay. But is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 CSB. God allows us to be a part of sharing His love with friends, family, and even complete strangers. He wants us to be a part of rescuing those who are perishing. We must know God’s voice, listen for God’s voice, and obey with the right timing by developing and maintaining our relationship with God. We must give those who are perishing every opportunity to make that personal decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and to begin their awesome journey with Him. To God be the glory!

Click Image For More Info When was the last time you awakened to a swirl of out-of-control thoughts? Perhaps you were overwhelmed with the weight of worry, the fear of failing, or the grip of guilt. The way we think directly impacts our joy and peace. In Tame Your Thoughts , Max Lucado provides three biblical and practical tools to renew your mind and transform your life. Our thoughts have consequences. Most people would agree that positive thoughts generate positive actions. Negative thoughts activate negative behavior. But do we understand that we can manage our lives by managing our thoughts? Not only does neuroscience back this concept, but the idea is also embedded throughout Scripture. "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Rom.12:2 esv). Tame your thoughts and transform your life! In Tame Your Thoughts , Max explores three key thought-management tools and then applies them to the most common thought problems: worry, guilt, anxiety, and other types of mental quicksand that threaten to trap us. God loves us too much to let us lead a life marked by poor thinking. He made our brains; he can retrain our brains. God has not left us alone in this battle of the mind. Stuck in your head? Hounded by regrets? Weighed down by worry? Change is possible! The thoughts that have characterized your past need not characterize the rest of your life. Readers will learn to take thoughts captive, test each message against the truth of Scripture, interrupt poisonous thought threads, and think and act like Jesus. If God can resurrect the dead, can he not resurrect hope? Defy depression? Clarify confusion? Silence shame? Destroy doubt? Banish bitterness? Take God at his word. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind " (2 Tim. 1:7 nkjv, emphasis added). With God as their helper, the reader will discover a new way of thinking and a better way of living. A new person will begin to emerge. We can tame each thought, friends.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE By: Dr. Phyllis J. Arno Sanguine in Affection We have all heard the question: “What is love?” As Christians, we often answer, “God is love,” and encourage people to read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 : Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, It does not boast, It is not proud, It is not rude, It is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always perseveres. Many people respond, “But I can’t be patient or kind like that!” So what do we tell them? The answer is simple: if a person has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior , then God’s unconditional love already lives in them, because God is love  ( 1 John 4:16 ). All they need to do is “tap into” His love  by letting go of their own conditional love and allowing God’s unconditional love to flow through them. When they do this, their love is no longer based on conditions—it becomes unconditional. God’s Command to Love Deuteronomy 6:5–9 tells us: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Other helpful Scriptures include: Matthew 22:37–39  – Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. John 3:16  – God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. John 13:34  – Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. John 14:23–24  – Those who love Jesus will obey His words. 2 Corinthians 7:1  – Purify yourself in body and spirit, out of reverence for God. Philippians 1:9–10  – Pray that love grows in knowledge and discernment. 2 Timothy 1:7  – God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. 1 John 4:7–8, 15–16, 21  – Love one another, for love comes from God. Whoever loves is born of God, for God is love . What Is Unconditional Love? The Bible teaches that God loves us unconditionally . Unconditional love means love without strings attached —we cannot earn it. Wikipedia : “Affection without any limitations, or love without conditions.” Webster’s : “Not subject to limitations or reservations.” True love cannot be fully understood until we experience God’s love , because His love is perfect and unconditional. However, we must also understand that God’s love does not overlook sin . Proverbs 6:16–19  lists seven things the Lord hates: A proud look A lying tongue Hands that shed innocent blood A heart plotting evil Feet quick to do mischief A false witness One who causes discord among brothers Sanguine in Affection The Sanguine temperament  in the Affection area has these tendencies: Affectionate and “skin hungry” Sexually oriented and fearful of rejection Impulsive and responsive to rewards Initiators, but often hot-tempered Upbeat and extravagant Because they are relationship-oriented , Sanguines often initiate affection. They may say, “I need lots of hugs”  or “Let’s snuggle.” They form many deep relationships  because they love to be loved . They are usually optimistic and upbeat . They fear rejection  and may try harder to please close relationships. They are “swingers”  emotionally—joyful when accepted, withdrawn, and moody when rejected. They are often extravagant  with gifts for loved ones. They are romantic , enjoying candlelight dinners and romantic movies. Sanguines in Affection need to look to God first  for love and affection. Once they develop intimacy with Him , they will become secure in His love and better able to show healthy love to others. If a Sanguine lives alone, having a pet  can help meet their natural need to give and receive affection. Learning to Love Unconditionally as a Sanguine Look to God first  for love and affection. Follow God’s example  of unconditional love. Avoid ungodly demands  on close relationships—others may not share the same level of need for affection. Maintain balance —focus on meeting the needs of others, not just your own. Use godly outlets for affection —if single or living alone, pets can be a healthy source of companionship. Note to Counselors:  When counseling a Sanguine in Affection , remember to consider: Learned behavior Birth order Walk with the Lord These factors all affect how a Sanguine expresses love and affection.