Personality tests can be helpful, indicating our strengths, weaknesses, inclinations, how we are prone to make decisions, etc. I see nothing wrong with these if they help us understand ourselves so that we can cut with the grain and run with our strengths, but also to beware of our weaknesses.

What we must avoid is using our personality preferences to allow for selfishness. “Sorry, I can’t listen to your problems because I’m an introvert and listening to others just exhausts me.” Now only  a special few would ever say this out loud, but how often do we make similar excuses to ourselves for not helping when we should?

For some reason there is a slew of material assuring introverts that there is nothing wrong with them. Hey, don’t think you’re a loser because you don’t prefer parties with scores of people. You’re still special, a one-of-a-kind snowflake. But if your introversion means that you don’t feel inclined to reach out to others, attend important events, and give until you’re emotionally fatigued, it’s not introversion but selfishness–if you act on it.

No one naturally thrives by bearing the burdens of others–that’s why they’re called burdens. God does bless those who do this, but He does so in the way Jesus multiplied the loaves. There was nothing special about that bread. It was Jesus’ faith that provided. There’s no unique gift of sympathy that only allows some to exercise it. Self-sacrifice–emotional, financial, spiritual–is commanded of us all.

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. –Romans 12:13-15

Notice that the rich aren’t called to give, those with big houses to show hospitality, the naturally “kind” to bless enemies, and the emotionally inclined to weep with those who weep. We’re all to do this as we have opportunity, and make sure we have opportunity. I’m not saying that every obedience is equally easy or difficult for every person. But the Lord doesn’t give us a sliding scale. Extroverts need to repent of the sins they easily commit, and so do introverts. Giving in the way that naturally suits you least is the greatest way to give. David refused to give to the Lord that which cost him nothing: “I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer ascension offerings that cost me nothing” (1 Chron. 21:24). Neither should we.