Many times in life people test our patience as well as we test others patience. We can get upset we are not being understood, it could seem like someone is even having fun making us upset even but, look at it this way. Is it really God saying "Do you really want to be awake, do you really want to be advanced spiritually?"

He, meaning God, is giving us the chance to show us where we need to work on patience, understanding, compassion, consideration, caring, peacemaking, slowness to anger, quickness to listen, and getting along. If we are to really be spiritually awake we need have these qualities and exercise them. Am I treating others with the same compassion as I would like to be treated by them?

Are we being tested right now and if so, are we passing the test?

EDIT

Not many seem to be getting this is about self reflection not about others, if this turns into gossip or bad mouthing any member I will delete it! It sadly seems many are missing the whole point and thus are not willing to look at their selves.

asked 27 Jun '11, 18:32

Wade%20Casaldi's gravatar image

Wade Casaldi
36.9k430107

edited 28 Jun '11, 06:26

Well you are actually pointing "without" to the "problem". Meaning as the title says "through one of our members", Unless you are really talking about yourself, then yes rename the question. You even state the person as a he and that immediately infers a specific person and that is not really fair to that person. Also for you to say testing our patience is also an unfair statement

(27 Jun '11, 23:20) you

I am not being tested at all. Wade, when you move out of objectivity many assumption begin to follow. You immediately set the tone of this question with your title. Maybe something like "Why do you let others test your patience and are they necessary for personal growth?" This way no one is anointed the catalyst, when the person who is being tested is really the only one who can answer.

(27 Jun '11, 23:23) you

Michael you may have just turned this around for me i do like your title far more! Thank you so much, I really do want this to be about self reflection not blame. :-)

(27 Jun '11, 23:29) Wade Casaldi

My pleasure Wade, we go through this together :)

(28 Jun '11, 00:32) you

Agreed Michael I did have a hard time wording it into a question, Jai helped me but you helped me to bring it to the true point of the question. So Kudos to you for the title! :-D

(28 Jun '11, 01:51) Wade Casaldi

surely " he" means "god". but maybe I am being a bit thick

(28 Jun '11, 06:02) evelyn

Yes if you mean from this sentence "He is giving us the chance to show us where we need to work" Yes that he always meant God in the question from the start. Thanks Evelyn for noticing my intention. :-D

(28 Jun '11, 06:22) Wade Casaldi

in truth i tell you wade you are in truth.

(30 Sep '11, 02:17) white tiger

Thank you so much White Tiger you always understood the true intent of this question. It takes a real honest approach to look at ourselves and say is this for my growth my own good that I am being tested, my patience maybe my trust that God is in control?

(01 Oct '11, 06:37) Wade Casaldi

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

(08 Oct '11, 03:03) white tiger

yes i know wade many will not grasp this and it will put them to the test. it is not my problem. let them judge they will be judge with the same mesure.

(08 Oct '11, 03:20) white tiger
showing 0 of 11 show 11 more comments

You are quite right, Wade, and I had not thought of it in that way, but I'm glad that you have given me some food for thought. I am being tested! I have at times been impatient, too quick to draw conclusions, dismissive and judgmental. I knew this on some level but wasn't paying much attention to it. Not nice on my part.

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answered 27 Jun '11, 21:49

LeeAnn%201's gravatar image

LeeAnn 1
17.0k1519

edited 28 Jun '11, 01:43

Thank you LeeAnn I am so glad you see what I really meant in my question, I feel it wasn't in vain maybe more will come to understand it too. :-)

(28 Jun '11, 01:48) Wade Casaldi

I'm glad that you brought this up!

(28 Jun '11, 04:13) LeeAnn 1

I was near deleting this question because I felt no-one understood the point. I see it was just because I could not think of a good way to word it but you saw through to what I was trying to ask. I am thankful you saw through and feel it was worth it now. I am also thankful to Michael for pointing out the wording was throwing everyone off and his suggestion for a better title.

(28 Jun '11, 06:01) Wade Casaldi
showing 2 of 3 show 1 more comments

Ok... I am totally confused here. The only thing I think you could be referring to is the interaction with white tiger.

If that's the case do you guys really see that as a test?

Honestly, I think white tiger is being perfectly authentic... he's just being who he is right now and if we're not aware enough not to take that personal, then I'd say we're the ones with the problem not him.

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answered 27 Jun '11, 22:11

Michaela's gravatar image

Michaela
35.0k22677

You are actually stating my whole point Michaela, we need to take a look at ourselves. Are we being fully compassionate, understanding, patient everything I wrote at the top of my question? It is a self examination test if we say we are spiritually aware then these are the qualities we need have for each other always. In other words God is saying to us do we like hanging around here thinking we are aware or are we really aware, do we have that patience and compassion that we treat others as we would wish to be treated? That is the test a self reflection of how we act or react.

(27 Jun '11, 22:25) Wade Casaldi

@Michaela - Oh, it's about White Tiger? In that case, you've said it very well here, Michaela. And then, Wade, I think it's a bit unfair to use the tag trolls in connection with him. He seems like a pretty sincere guy to me, not a troll

(27 Jun '11, 22:35) Stingray

Point taken Stingray removed tag.

(27 Jun '11, 22:38) Wade Casaldi

i am who i am the truth will set you free.

(02 Sep '11, 17:01) white tiger
showing 2 of 4 show 2 more comments

Why talk in code? Who is this "member"?

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answered 27 Jun '11, 20:01

you's gravatar image

you
5.3k1053

Indeed. I honestly have no idea what this question is about

(27 Jun '11, 21:50) Stingray

It matters not whom, as there will always be someone that comes along and test our patience. This is a question purely about self reflection. It is a test of how do we act or react to test of our patience. Do we keep calm and helpful, do we get mad, do we treat others as we would wish to be treated? These are all that matter (self reflection) and are we being true to that higher ideal spiritual self.

(27 Jun '11, 22:34) Wade Casaldi

Psalm 37:7-9 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

Romans 15:4-5 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a 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 hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Colossians 3:12-13 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

James 1:19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

James 5:7-8 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Mark 4:24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

http://bible.cc/matthew/7-2.htm

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Psalm 139:4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

Proverbs 5:21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

Jeremiah 16:17 My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes.

Jeremiah 23:24 Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:23 For they have done outrageous things in Israel; they have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives and in my name have spoken lies, which I did not tell them to do. I know it and am a witness to it," declares the LORD.

Daniel 2:22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

Matthew 6:4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

http://bible.cc/hebrews/4-13.htm

Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability

"A human being is a part of a whole, called by us 'universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." Einstein

"The measure of love is to love without measure." Saint Augustine

"Knows but doesn't know he knows... asleep, wake him up. Knows he doesn't know... teach him, good man. Doesn't know he doesn't know... a fool, avoid him. Knows he knows... wise, follow him

"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are." Chinese Proverb

"To be great, be whole; exclude nothing, exaggerate nothing that is you. Be whole in everything. Put all you are into the smallest thing you do. The whole moon gleams in every pool, it rides so high." Ricardo Reis, Fernando Pessoa

As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we must all be aware of changes in the air, however slight, lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness" Justice William O. Douglas

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles overcome whilst trying to succeed" Booker T Washington

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong " Mahatma Gandhi

If you’re going through hell, keep going!" Winston Churchill

The only thing necessary for evil to triumph.....is for good men to do nothing." Winston Churchill

Silence is the Mother of Truth, for the silent man was ever to be trusted, while the man ever ready with speech was never taken seriously." Chief Luther Standing Bear, (Teton Sioux)

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway." Mother Theresa

It is much more difficult to judge oneself than to judge others. If you succeed in judging yourself rightly, than you are indeed a man of true wisdom." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

http://www.cainer.com/features/quote.htm

live in the now and do your best experience and enjoy.

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answered 01 Sep '11, 16:46

white%20tiger's gravatar image

white tiger
21.9k116117

White Tiger this well thought out answer has deeply touched, inspired and impressed me! Thank you so much for this excellent answer! :-D

(01 Sep '11, 17:29) Wade Casaldi

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

(02 Sep '11, 02:25) white tiger

You know what, Wade? You are right!

And I am flunking this test royally!!!

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. From this point onward, I will not judge or comment negatively.

I also feel strongly that my personal test has been to not engage this person, and I have! Oops.

Thank you so much. As usual, you are proving yourself to be a person of gentle, but strong Spirituality! Reminds me of someone I would like to emulate...He died on a Cross....

Love you, Jai

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answered 27 Jun '11, 18:38

Jaianniah's gravatar image

Jaianniah
37.8k14130610

i forgive you . sin no more.

(02 Sep '11, 13:59) white tiger

I have to say that I'm not personally comfortable with the underlying assumption behind this "question".

The implication is that the person in question is somehow wrong - and that "we", the right ones, have to adjust ourselves in some way to tolerate him...to cope with the "test".

Sorry, that philosophy doesn't work for me. I don't see people that way.

We're all unique, individual expressions of "All That Is" and all those expressions are to be welcomed in their diversity.

There are no tests - just different facets of The One.

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answered 27 Jun '11, 22:56

Stingray's gravatar image

Stingray
93.7k22143372

You got the assumption wrong it is for self reflection for EVERYONE, God uses each of us in different ways to awaken us. I am thankful and just expanding on something White Tiger said himself that he is a mirror for everyone to see themselves. We all are to each other, there is nothing and no one "Wrong" here everything is very right as a matter of fact the fields of self awareness ripe for the harvesting. It seems everyone is missing the point of my question entirely at least I myself received something good out of this

(27 Jun '11, 23:11) Wade Casaldi

Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

(02 Sep '11, 02:44) white tiger

Then He left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to Him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is The Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is The Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are Angels. "As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age.

(02 Sep '11, 02:50) white tiger

The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 13:36-43)

(02 Sep '11, 02:51) white tiger

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

(02 Sep '11, 17:12) white tiger
showing 2 of 5 show 3 more comments

Isn't this the point where being non-judgmental comes into play. I find if I refuse/observe the instant judgements that the ego deals out. That no one gets under my skin . Quite the opposite that I find myself laughing. Not at but for myself.
There is no test
peace

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answered 28 Jun '11, 06:38

ursixx's gravatar image

ursixx
22.0k11445

...or you could take a look at the Windows XP version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX8yrOAjfKM&NR=1&t=1m33s :)

(28 Jun '11, 08:03) Stingray

Thank you, Stingray! Wade and I really needed the laugh! It is a great clip, and brought back a lot of (frustrating, time-consuming, endlessly buggy, hopelessly unfix-able) memories!>>>>>>>>>>>Jai

(28 Jun '11, 10:33) Jaianniah

@Stingray LOL I saw that the other day ...

(28 Jun '11, 20:47) ursixx
showing 1 of 3 show 2 more comments

Thank you for asking a great question about self reflection, how we behave, how we treat others, the affects we have on each other, and the lasting impression of our awakening and spiritual foundation in life.

This is indeed bigger than us in every way since many of us feels a sense of entitlement, more so than others, and it has falsified our conception of treating others the way we would like to be treated, and indeed, if I may say,” we are all guilty of this act.” And of course, self reflection is a good cleansing therapy for the body, mind, and spirit!

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answered 03 Jul '11, 02:36

Inactive%20User's gravatar image

Inactive User ♦♦
480134203

I was not engaging them until they asked. I thought they wanted to know so they could grow, but I got baited. Any childish behavior is simply in jest and to illustrate the childishness. I will go back to not engaging. I will be honest, I was disappointed that it got so far.

I do hope that if anybody misunderstands ME, they ask for clarification. I don't mind explaining and would rather explain than have people believe the wrong idea. Blessings to you all.

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answered 27 Jun '11, 20:26

Fairy%20Princess's gravatar image

Fairy Princess
(suspended)

My dear fairy princess, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

(02 Sep '11, 14:14) white tiger

The only people that "test" us are the people we have given permission to.

Others are just a reflection of the self

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answered 27 Jun '11, 23:03

you's gravatar image

you
5.3k1053

Exactly my point, this was the whole point of the question.

(27 Jun '11, 23:13) Wade Casaldi

But I, the Lord, search all hearts

and examine secret motives.

I give all people their due rewards,

according to what their actions deserve.”

(02 Sep '11, 17:20) white tiger

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets

(02 Sep '11, 17:22) white tiger
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