Fruits of the Spirit for each Enneagram Type

One of the loudest critiques of the Enneagram I have heard is that it focuses so much on the negative qualities of each type, it is discouraging and even “mean.”

As my study and interest in the Enneagram has grown over the past couple of years, I have seen Instagram accounts that capitalize on making fun of the types, reducing people to caricatures and memes. At one point I felt so discouraged by the content, I felt there was no room to grow as a Type Four.

But the purpose of the Enneagram is not to describe people at their worst. It is to invite people to their best.

As we grow and mature into the healthy people we long to be, we begin to see the positive characteristics of each type emerge. We see the Fruit of the Spirit, the goodness God has placed in each of us, flourish. If we struggle to see this fruit in our lives, remember, the reason it is called the Fruit of the Spirit is because it comes from God’s Spirit, not ourselves. Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find.

“If imperfect parents know how to lovingly take care of their children and give them what they need, how much more will the perfect heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit’s fullness when his children ask him.”

– Jesus (Luke 11:13, The Passion Translation)

Ready? Let’s begin.

Type One: Patience

An Enneagram One has an inner critic which constantly berates them for not being perfect. Their moral compass is uncompromising and the target of who is criticized most is often themselves. Shame for a One is centralized around not meeting their own high expectations.

However, when a Type One is in a place of rest and health, she is able to have patience with herself and others. She is unbothered by imperfections, recognizing imperfections are what make life beautiful.

A Type One’s ability to acknowledge imperfections is what connects her to others and herself as she shows compassion to the world for not being the Eden we desire. She continues to hope for all things to be made right and is able to trust it will be as she waits in hope.

Ways to practice patience:

• Practice slowing. Drive in the slow lane. Get in the longest line. Literally put yourself in situations where you will need to patiently wait.
• The next time you make a mistake, remind yourself: “Mistakes mean I’m learning. Mistakes help me grow.”
• Notice your frustration with others who aren’t doing things the way you would do them. Acknowledge there is more than one way to do something.

Type Two: Humility

An Enneagram Two often believes she needs to be needed in order to be loved. She often prides herself on giving the most, taking care of others better, and knowing what others need. Unfortunately, she will not acknowledge her own needs which can result in lopsided relationships where she is giving and never receiving.

When honest about their needs and allowing their needs to be met by others, a Type Two’s humility shines forth. She is able to consider others’ needs as well as acknowledging her own, knowing that we are all dependent on Love. A healthy Type Two shines with Christ’s humility who considered the needs of others while also receiving their generosity.

Ways to practice humility:

• Practice self-care, recognizing when you need to take a break or address your own needs. Regularly ask yourself, “What do I need right now?”
• Refrain from stepping in to help when you were not asked. Offer your help and expertise, but honor another person’s “no.”
• Speak to yourself with the kindness you would express to others. Remind yourself you don’t need to do for others to be loved.

Type Three: Authenticity

An Enneagram Three can walk into a room and know what is expected of her from the people there. She is able to shape-shift and present the positive sides of herself in order to be admired and seen as “the best” at whatever she does.

Type Threes are often rewarded for their hard work. This admiration is confused with love and many Type Threes struggle with not feeling known or loved by their people.

When honest and authentic about her weaknesses, a Type Three becomes more connected to her feelings and realizes she doesn’t have to excel to be loved. She invites others to share their struggles and can create community around shared human experiences. Her authenticity shows herself and others that we can be loved for who we are, not what we do.

Ways to practice Authenticity:

• Practice confession before God and a trusted person where you can acknowledge your struggles without shame.
• Regularly ask yourself, “How am I feeling?” Take time to get in touch with yourself and notice what is motivating you to succeed.
• Acknowledge when you need to take a break from your work. Practice regular rhythms of rest.

Type Four: Emotional Balance

An Enneagram Four typically feels everything all the time and can become overwhelmed by her feelings. At times she can be bogged down by her negative feelings and struggles to see the good in herself. Overidentifying with her negative emotions can cause her to feel she lacks what others have and brings about her emotional struggle of envy.

(Full disclosure, this is my type and of all of the types it is most difficult for me to discover ways to grow as a Four – just as maybe you feel in your own type. We all have blind spots for ourselves. We all can keep growing. 💗)

When at rest in God’s love, a Type Four can discover Emotional Balance or Equanimity. She is able to observe her emotions without being swept away by them and can have incredible insight in the human experience. A Type Four is able to offer peace to others as she meets with them in their pain and help them discover the hope she feels.

Ways to practice Balance:

• Recognize your feelings don’t control you. Allow “I am not my feelings” to become your mantra. Allow yourself to observe your emotions rather than become them.
• Continue to seek healing for your struggle of only seeing the negative in yourself. Question your inner voice which tells you you will never fit in. Embrace your positive emotions as well as your negative ones.
• Practice deep breathing to regulate your emotions and allow yourself space to process all of your thoughts and feelings.

Type Five: Generosity

An Enneagram Five has a limited supply of energy each day. This coupled with their desire to not come across needy or lacking in any way can lead a Type Five to cling to their time, resources, and knowledge, isolating themselves from others.

When a Type Five rests in God’s provision and trusts that she will have enough, she is able to share her vast insight and expertise with the world. When she learns it is okay for her to have needs and that it is safe to rely on others, the connectivity leads her to community and a giving spirit.

Type Six: Courage

An Enneagram Six’s eyes are consistently on the future, anticipating all possibilities and all that could go wrong. Their “inner committee” can help them see all perspectives, but also leave them feeling paralyzed about moving forward or making decisions. Their struggle with fear is a consistent, daily effort.

In the midst of a world of uncertainty, a mature Type Six is able to be a source of determination and strength, not tossed by the waves, but courageously standing firm. The Holy Spirit equips in her courage so she can not only face any obstacle, but also be awake to who she is and who she will become.

Ways to practice Courage:

• Move from your head to your body: take a walk, do yoga, exercise so that you can recognize the goodness of the present moment and gain perspective on your troubles.
• Acknowledge that though we will always have trouble in this world, God is always compassionate and faithful. Cast your cares on Him, trusting He will care for you.
• Recognize your reactions to fear (fight, flight, or freeze) and show yourself compassion for your feelings.

Type Seven: Moderation

An Enneagram Seven has a fear of feeling pain or being deprived of good things. If life begins to feel sad, boring, or painful, she may escape those feelings by filling herself up with exciting experiences or stimulation. Unfortunately, no matter how much she has or does it still leaves her feeling empty.

As a Type Seven grows, the Fruit of the Spirit in her is Moderation (many call it sobriety). She is able to find contentment in the moment and observe all of her feelings, not just the good ones. She can be grateful for what she has rather than worrying about what she is missing out on. She can find lasting joy.

Ways to practice Moderation:

• When you feel the desire to move on to the next, “better” thing, stop and notice your feelings in the present moment. Connect with your feelings recognizing how much better you will feel after you have felt them.
• Keep a gratitude journal: Note what you have and choose thankfulness.
• Face your fears recognizing that a rich life is made up of walking through troubles, knowing that God is always faithful.

Type Eight: Vulnerability

An Enneagram Eight feels “an intense need to protect themselves against betrayal and powerlessness.” (Beth McCord, Your Enneagram Coach) She fears being powerless or weak, being taken advantage of or used. Because of this she will minimize any perceived weakness and protect herself and those close to her with vigilance.

When a Type Eight finds security and rest in God, she allows herself to be vulnerable, which is a true act of trust and courage. She can extend mercy to herself for the times she wasn’t strong as well as to those who need to experience grace. A healthy Type Eight can use her strength to discover transformation rather than control.

Ways to practice Vulnerability:

• Pursue forgiveness: Discern who you need to forgive for not being there for you in the past or present. Discern whose forgiveness you need to ask for.
• Discover your wide spectrum of feelings. Allow yourself and a trusted loved one to see the emotions you have judged as “weak.”
• Discover the strength in vulnerability. Notice the times in Scripture when Jesus did not flip tables, but graciously invited people – including His oppressors – to follow Him.

Type Nine: Presence

An Enneagram Nine withdraws from conflict and any threat of conflict because she longs to experience inner peace. This leads to often feeling overlooked and unheard as she silences her own voice to avoid stirring up tension. Over time, she may have “fallen asleep” to her own life because she has merged so often with those closest to her.

When a Type 9 wakes up to herself, acknowledging her dreams, desires, ideas, and opinions, she brings the Fruit of Presence. She still values peace and can be an effective mediator in conflict without losing herself to the people she is with. She is incredibly empathetic and can bring comfort to all types while remaining self-assured.

Ways to practice Presence:

• Before going along with someone else’s opinion, stop and listen to your own heart. Do you truly want what they want? Do you really not care? Or are you avoiding conflict?
• Get in touch with your anger and notice what frustrates you. Allow yourself to act on the things you care about.
• Discover how you have accidentally erased yourself by merging with others. Wake up to your own needs and establish boundaries to create more autonomy in your relationships. Hear God say to you: “You matter.”

Moving Forward

What is your Enneagram Type? What is one practice you can pick from above?

Don’t know your type? Schedule your free consultation to learn how the Enneagram can help you get “unstuck,” heal, and grow.