Labors of Love

Do we even know how to follow Him?

It seems so often that much of what's overheard tends toward pushing through, against all odds, that where there is a will, there's a way. At all costs, do explicitly what Scripture says.

But according to our interpretation, or His?

Do we realize that, even in terms of reading, seeking understanding, and attempting application of Scripture...there is a vast difference between self-effort and Spirit-led reception and application?

He's so gracious as to bless the efforts, regardless, most usually...

There's just a battle being waged, still, in terms of being again and again told that I should be doing certain things, certain ways, and according to certain manners of proceeding. Most recently, the voice of this was even externally manifested--all while continuing lambast from within, simultaneous.

But, the thing is--I am not the one who makes or breaks sanctification.
I am not the master of my own destiny.
I no longer maintain the "privileged position" of deciding how or in what way to go about my life.

And the same is true for anyone who has come to Christ, broken and contrite and surrendered, being changed by Him and saved and cleansed by Him.

Because, truth of the matter is--no matter what voice, from what seeming source, might say otherwise--we aren't our own, and our actions aren't really even given by our own strength and will, anymore, if we've truly come to Christ.

Because we have been bought with a price.

Meaning we are not our own, at all, any longer (not that ever we were, truly--we were previously ruled by sin).

But as we abide more fully in Christ's loving presence, even consciously, we draw nearer to Him and are more fully conformed to His image.

I'm aware how vast is the potential for complete absurdist misinterpretation of all these things, as said--well, and increasingly aware, as the Lord has increasingly made it apparent that even His own Scriptures, His very own recorded words are perverted and twisted and abused by the machinations of the flesh, even unintentional. Sometimes, this comes merely as a matter of operating according to a particular, familiar standard of understanding--rigorously developed, with intentional focus upon remaining free from error, through years of studious cross-referencing of materials deemed and judged worthwhile commentary.

Constant reminder of the Pharisees...

Consider this:

God has given us intellectual abilities to comprehend and explore the dynamics of the world we live in. He has indeed made us in such a way that we are capable of investigating and interpreting the mechanics of our surroundings, and even of our own physiology. And, even still, there's record of Him mentioning that those who boast should boast only in that they know God and understand His ways.

Not to boast in being capable of any other things, as they are comparatively inconsequential.

And yet, He is simultaneously both innately known by all and also inscrutable.

We can't approach God in the same way as we approach scientific discovery of principles of His quantum mechanics. Because of His complexity, supremacy, infinity, and also such false premises as we're operating under to even have thoughts of attempting such an approach...and primarily, also, because of His complete holiness:

Approaching Him in a manner other than that which He ordained equates to actively expressing a lack of acceptance of basic truths revealed, regarding who He is.

So...if we were to embark upon a pursuit of knowledge of Him by attempting to build upon such wholly false premises, how could we expect to arrive at correct understandings?

Understanding Him according to our own understanding is far too limited to offer an anywise accurate view, is the problem--we're inherently limited from being capable of comprehending Him, even in essence: Infinity cannot be encompassed by the finite, and holiness cannot be approached unto by the unholy. But He's so gracious as to give glimpses. He went on record, even, in terms which are simultaneously largely accessible to us without wholly obscuring facets of His being.

And He came, in the flesh, too! Revealed Himself even more plainly--explicitly in our terms...as on our terms.

So, He seriously takes the time to explain Himself, to those willing to listen and who truly want to know Him--not as indulgence of a passing fancy, but as a matter of desiring actual truth.

He takes the time.

Pharisees, though (as a constant temptation, perhaps many of us battle)...

...want a method which doesn't require reliance upon God for explanation or revelation.

A way of godliness, but without God...which doesn't require Him:

Finding ways and means to attempt to do what seems right, and even what's been described as right by law--social, interpersonal, governmental, familial, and in all spheres of being and interaction...and even described in Scripture...

...but seeking explicit descriptions of these "ways and means" of acting "rightly" in order to be able to proceed without constant reliance upon God for guidance, interpretation, and confirmation.
This is, in other words, a madness which is wholly reliant upon methodology, rather than upon God.

Further, also consider a perspective on what happened in the Garden:

Those means which God endowed us with--to think and understand--were put to a use which was defiant, seeking independence from God. We sought to be self-reliant, in acting upon our own understanding (Adam and Eve, both). We sought, through our own understanding of what seemed worthwhile, to know good and evil without requiring God's input. We sought to be as God, in these matters specifically, and we counted that a worthwhile desire.

He is so merciful, though, that despite our rebellion against Him--shirking the truth of His goodness and guidance, though created as beings intended for dependence upon Him in these matters...created to walk with Him, in fellowship, and apparently created to always look to Him for right understanding, trust Him for necessary revelation, and rely wholly upon Him for guidance in what is right and good...

...He didn't destroy us, but ordained salvation.

We can't make salvation happen, though.

We could do all things, on this earth--we could climb all mountains, we could expose the depths of the sea, we could chart every star in the sky...but we cannot save our own soul.

And ever having had a single thought against God's sovereignty, we have erred egregiously, grievously against even all of Creation, as even having harbored doubt against our Maker, He who is perfectly and infinitely good.

We can't do the things, guys. We weren't meant to, is the thing. We contrive so many schemes, so many methodologies unto understanding and a right interpretation and application of Scripture--each of which, except they actually be ordained by and guided by God, Himself, is only a repeat of the Fall. He graces us with mercy, though, despite our misgivings and rebellion...or otherwise none would be saved.

But if any of us has hope in our own understanding, our own abilities, our own activities and efforts, then we aren't fully hoping in Christ.
And to whatever extent we aren't hoping completely in Christ, we are blind...lost.

There is no hope, other than Him, though.

We can't even understand any of Scripture, except that He reveal it to us.
No matter how hard we might try.
No matter how many years we might study.
No matter how many courses we might take.
No matter how many professors we might sit under.
No matter how many supposed and accepted experts we might easily speak with, as "conversant" in theology.

Being able to recite a verse isn't an active knowledge of its meaning, for one thing.
Being able to recite the entire Book from beginning to end is even futile, unless the truth of those words, as revealed by their author, lives in the heart.

He knows the heart, though. And He is merciful:
Those who truly seek Him, He does reveal Himself to--no matter how halting and faltering the steps unto Him.

He knows we are but dust.
He knows intimately our frame.
He created us--each one!
And even walked as one of us, now exalted.

He knows where there's malice in the heart, but an outward show of devotion.
Just as He knows where there's a silent longing to know truth, in the midst of outward rebellion.

He knows these things, and all in between.

So, even when wrong steps are taken, He oft has explicit mercy.
Otherwise none would be saved.

He draws us, after all.

And He longs that all would come to Him, for salvation. But some will always refuse Him. Yet, in long-suffering endurance of our ingratitude unto abject hatred of Him, He even allows this rebellion...despite knowing, no less, that all will be salted with fire: Here and now, hereafter and eternal.

Objections voiced by many come in terms of a seeming bit of inconsistency and apparent (to them) unfairness of claiming that there's no way of knowing truth, apart from knowing God, apart from Him revealing it, Himself.

This is especially vehemently argued in terms of interpretation of Scripture, as a blatantly tangible point of such argument.

There are differing interpretations of Scripture, is the thing. And I've heard, again and again (and prior espoused the argument, myself), that all the things can't be true--out of one book can't come so many entirely differing and sometimes entirely opposed interpretations, while arguing any degree of validity for each or the whole. Something along the lines of "there should be one interpretation--or at least non-oppositional interpretations--but opposing interpretations cannot be correct, or they undermine the legitimacy of one another by being simultaneously divergent."

Problem is, it's the Word of God. And it's not intended for private interpretation.

The Holy Spirit gave it to us, through prophets and inspired scribes (prophetic writers)...and He has to interpret it, too, or we just aren't capable of understanding what's there.

Take it any way you want it--put the book through any amount of testing you want, run any sort of thematic interpretation through the entire scope, and you may conceivably achieve a veritable infinitude of differing interpretations, still, depending entirely upon the lenses through which you've chosen to view piece and parcel...

...and, still, unless the Spirit of Christ guide your interpretation, in a wholly real way...

...you're reaching false conclusions. No matter how well founded they might seem.

Even the most seemingly apparent statements can be interpreted wholly falsely, if taken only according to apparent meaning:

Again, check out the Pharisees. They made a life of interpreting and applying Scripture--of living it out. Practically speaking, they were experts.

And they missed the point entirely.
They made a big deal of overtly following the letter of the law, but wholly missed the Spirit in which it was given.

Unto eternal damnation of their souls, they chose practical methodology over experiential, intimate knowledge of God. They sacrificed one for the other, ostensibly for the sake of attempting to refrain from erring against Him by wandering unintentionally, unknowingly into sin. By attempting to preserve themselves from error, they completely forsook God, Himself. They, then, embraced error by so diligently striving to avoid it. Heartbreaking, the futility. The abject and complete wretchedness of such a state. The Lord lamented it, grievously, longing for them to be reconciled to Himself, but finding them unwilling.

It's a very fine line, though, walked only by the grace of God (literally).

We're not meant to rely on ourselves, is the thing. Apart from Christ, we're not capable of saving, keeping, or maintaining ourselves. So, we are to do as He would have us do, moment by moment, and not strive for a methodological approach to serving Him. He might give us a routine to follow, though, in serving Him. He may even have us do many, many laborious and time-intensive things which aren't simple nor easy, but which are to our sanctification and the glory of His name. Or He might take us hither and thither, bit by bit, to witness and testify of His keeping power and deliverance. Or give us just the strength to rest in Him and pray for others.

But there's not a chart to follow, individually. There's no checklist, day to day.
We have to rely on Him, for direction, for guidance into all truth. We have no choice but to trust Him to lead us, even as we are directed to relentlessly seek Him in prayer and in fellowship (with Him and with believers) and in Scripture. Especially as there are so many false teachings, abounding. And a lot of false spirits constantly seeking to supplant Him.

Of these latter, to avoid being deceived is to be intimately acquainted with Christ's voice and to stay that way. So, constantly seek Him in Scripture. He penned it, even as through inspiration. Still, His Spirit. Ultimately, His tone, His voice, His nature...evident and described and relayed. So, whose voice do you hear, when you read? That is a very important consideration, to be prayerfully thought through.

Especially as it doesn't have to be a so-called "mystical," weird thing to seek to actually know God, when according to His own express desire, He would be known by us who seek Him. Seriously.

In fact, according to what's written, those whom He doesn't actively know--those who don't actively know Him--aren't regenerate, aren't born again, aren't saved. Because we can't be saved, apart from Him. And to know Him, to truly know Him...is to be indwelt by His Spirit. Literally.

Not figuratively.

We have a spirit. No matter how much this world might be attempting to drown out the truth of spiritual, metaphysical reality (ever actually look up what "metaphysical" means?...and not as an abstraction, but in terms of reality?)...it is truth. Confoundingly, one of the most abstract, theoretical forms of science (largely responsible for technological advances) is the one nearest to actually proving the truth of this matter. Although, depending upon how far from truth the field veers, there's potential for vast error, too.

Same as with Scripture, is all. Where the premise is wrong, conclusions derived from it will be, too. Unless, somehow, the Lord intervenes and actually clarifies along the way.

It's His prerogative, though.

But the basics are the things:

-God is God, we're not. (That, alone, could fill multiple books, in terms of implications and imperatives.)

-God reveals Himself. (Through Creation and innately to each of His Creatures--read Romans 1, Psalm 19. Through Scripture. In Christ. Through His Spirit, which reveals Christ, personally.)

-Christ made it possible for us to be reconciled with God, that our transgressions could be forgiven, as paid. (And all transgressions will be paid for--whether Christ's atonement is accepted by each of us, or whether it's rejected and we choose to stand on our own before God, then to answer for our hatred.)

-Salvation is in Christ. (In Christ. Being made one with Him, spiritually--however your phrasing may vary, this is still the basic point of the matter.)

-Being made one with Him changes us completely, spiritually. (And the outworking of that, in all facets of our being, is a process--interpretations vary drastically, regarding the process).

-And from there...interpretation differs dramatically. Drastically.

Regardless, the aforementioned, baseline tenets are the matters which most delineate need and means unto salvation (according to everything that's been observed, studied, experienced, and gathered--not only since salvation, but from having studied spiritual matters since youth). It doesn't make sense, though, according to the flesh/human understanding, that a single book could have multiple valid interpretations--some, blatantly contradictory--and there still be legitimacy maintained for even  the contradictory interpretations.

I've asked the Lord about this, and read and studied, and the only which has continually stood out is Paul's mention of the different parts of the body. Some as eyes, some ears. Elbows, hands, and feet.

Do each of these function in the same way? Do each of these need to be instructed in the same manner, as to how to operate?

Or do they require individual, function-specific instructions? And, if so, then how could they possibly derive such explicitly, vastly differing instructions from the same source?

The Lord has created--He ordained diversity. Then, wouldn't He also make ample accommodation for its rightful instruction and procreation and function?

Discussion of Scripture with friends is always particularly beneficial, along those lines. We each are sufficiently unique to receive distinctly different (if oft overlapping, and rarely entirely contradictory) facets of meaning from even the same passage of Scripture, as impressed upon us by the Lord for what's necessary to growth in each of us:

What, to one friend, is a passage which chastises self-concern and selfishness may to another be solely a relieving display of awe-inspiring, magnanimous love and provision.
...what. to one, may be an admonition to refrain from speaking flippantly--chastising for inconsistencies and undependability--may, to another, serve as instruction in the need to walk humbly before God and men, gently reminded of each one's inability to act or perform even the smallest task apart from Christ.

The very same Scriptures, each of these examples. Two specific verses were the focus--one verse, of each example, and only one. But, without knowing which, there may be many other verses than the actual ones which were the inspiration of those thoughts to come to mind for you--ones which never may have had the same interpretation given to me, or to my friends. Our interpretations differed severely--neither had even suspected an alternate interpretation from our own, prior to hearing it spoken. But each interpretation is valid, even given context. And the interpretations which could be taken aren't nearly exhausted by these mere two interpretations of each verse.

That sort of seeming ambiguity absolutely frustrates and enrages those who won't bow the knee to God, is all. Because there is...inherent the consideration of an "unknowable," "unfixed" meaning...an implication of inherent insufficiency, as attention is directed to God as the only valid source of interpretation. So, in being to any degree at odds with God, such implication is untenable, unconscionable, upsetting. Because it means I am not able, in my own strength, according to my own understanding. No matter how much time I might spend or money I might invest or years I might research or expects I might consult. Still, finding self incapable--not only incapable, moreover, but barred from entry...enrages unsurrendered will.

Or, at least, it did for me. Before coming to the point of realizing I wasn't capable of being God--not capable of even acting the part in my own life, not capable of maintaining the blasphemous lie of "mind over matter"/"I can do this, no matter what it takes"-mentality...before realizing and embracing that there is One Higher to submit to, I utterly disdained and rejected the thought of being unable to do anything. I lived my life believing I could do anything, if I put my mind to it. And being told, in explicit terms, in Scripture...that it was and is beyond me to even be able to interpret the Word without direct intervention of the Holy Spirit?--was something to scoff at and ultimately disdain and despise and ignore. 

But, brought to a point of realizing no choice except to acknowledge my actual, inherent incapabilities--confronted by the actual, wholly capable Creator--was inherently humbling, debasing, and ultimately...freeing. There's a hinge-joint inherent that-type encounter, upon which hangs necessary admission of the truth that we are each seriously, grievously wrong for ever having even thought to attempt to be like Him--even by ordering our own lives, even by "only" attempting to know (in our own strength, according to our own understanding) what's right and what's wrong.

He's infinitely holy, perfectly good, perfectly powerful. And infinitely worthy of all praise: Any act or even thought against Him is thus infinitely deplorable.

Plus, we didn't create this universe. He did. So, no matter to what extent we might ever describe it--no matter to what degree of complexity we might understand or adapt understanding unto "creations" of our own...these things won't affect the unalterable fact that we are not and can never be the Creator.

Even if we were to break our way into the very throne room of God, via some quantum-mechanized means--given whatever madness might be wrought through higher attempts at application of quantum physics (like teleportation, perhaps--which the U.S. Air Force began studying in 2004)...we'd be no less condemned by the state of our own hearts, for ever having acted apart from seeking Him first--seeking His righteousness, seeking His ways, and foremost seeking to love Him above all.

So, mere differences in understanding shouldn't be such a stumbling block, even as they again and again point to the fact that the God we serve is infinite and wholly good, that there could and ought be unity in such diversity.

Infighting doesn't glorify Him, is the thing. "Interdenominational" slandering, scoffing, mocking, and bickering doesn't glorify Him.

Aspersions cast between Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism don't glorify Him. Rather, the world looks upon these things and says that we are just like them, only worse, as we can't even agree amongst ourselves. And didn't He say we would be known by our love for one another?

All the more then, is it evidenced by these things by that we are supposed to be led by Him--even if that means lovingly, privately speak with those who claim to follow Christ, yet who seem to be in error, then are we doing so according to His guidance or according to our own understanding of what we think Scripture says? Moreover, do we ever perhaps mistake differences in our function in the body of Christ as differences in actual professions of salvation? I have found this to be much the truth of myself, lamentably so, at times over the past year. And all I can do is repent, mourning the pain such lovelessness incited--begging not only deliverance for myself, but for others who are where I have been. Seeking further deliverance unto Him, still, and ever more.

For, even as there are many descriptors of what can be expected to come about in the lives of those who have been saved--so that we can know if we have truly been regenerated by Christ (and if we haven't been, then we can all the more ardently seek Him, to that end)...

...more than anything, we are admonished to love. And not at the expense of serving God, in truth.
Not in a way which would lead into or condone known sin--that isn't love, given that the end is death. And we don't murder those we love (nor stand idly while they kill themselves--pray!).
Whether in word, deed, thought, or intent, though--we don't knowingly harm those we love.

We don't seek to see them condemned.
We don't desire to see them tormented.
We don't hope to see them suffer.

We long to see them delivered.
Into peace, into life, into hope, into love!
...into Christ's ever-waiting, outstretched arms.

Put another way...

If God, Himself, would prefer for all to repent, that no one would perish--delaying final judgment, for this very reason: That more would turn to Him, in Christ, and be saved...

...if He would prefer all to repent and be saved, then who are we to condemn anyone?

The Holy Spirit is the still convicting of sin, making us aware we have erred against God, pointing us to the need to repent--to turn to Christ asking forgiveness, desiring to cease from sinning...longing for deliverance, to be changed.

While the condemnation of God is awaiting the day of judgment.

So, if He has yet to enact judgment upon us...
...and the Holy Spirit is still actively convicting of the need to turn away from what will otherwise be condemnation, at the end...
...who are we to condemn?

Under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul even reminded that it wasn't condemnation that brought us to repentance, for those who do know God...

...it was and is His kindness which brings us to repentance.

So, would we, then, build bridges to peace by disagreeing with and disdaining one another's pursuits of God?

This isn't to say that all "pursuits of God" are truly what they claim, either. Not all things which call themselves by Christ's name are of Him: He said there would be many who would come in His name, and that even those who actually knew Him would be deceived (if it were possible), given the apparent sincerity and seeming legitimacy of certain such claims: Voices similar to His own, but with vital differences--primarily, that not everything which claims to be of Him is HIM. Which is why we have to test ALL the spirits.

But, consider this...

...what did He say we are to do for our enemies (not spirits, mind you--people)?

Stone them? (Literally or figuratively, moreover?)

Remember and be tempered by remembrance that we were all enemies of Christ, when He died for us.

So, what did He do to His enemies?

...from what I read, He spoke truth to people, with great love. He offered hope. He sought to save the lost. And He proclaimed God's salvation, come--the day of the Lord, that we must repent. And He healed people. With great love. Deep compassion.
Even as there were instances where such love was expressed with a not-so-quiet manner of speech. Not necessarily spoken harshly, but sharply.

How great the love, though: do you love so much that you would weep, over doing such a thing?

Do you love so much that it would devastate you, entirely, to be compelled to speak sharply to a sister or brother?...to have to act seemingly rashly amongst brethren, for a moment, desiring only to see them only restored to the Father's love?

Never taken lightly, then, to sharply rebuke. Not entered into without utmost prayer, ardent searching of Scripture (to ascertain, ensure, and reconfirm), and utter, spiritual certainty of the Father's will.

For, ultimately, He went on to the cross. For His enemies. For us.

In love.
For the sake of the glory of God and the glorification of His name.
For the sake of the salvation of many.
For love.

He didn't speak nor act apart from the Father's will.

So, are we better than Christ?, that we don't need to do the same?

Such that, where there is differentiation of interpretations, ought we not remember that He leads each of us. Reflecting upon that instance where Peter even took momentary slight, thinking to question God's will for himself as compared to the fate of another disciple...we would all do well to remember what he was told, in response:

If I want him to remain until my return, what is that to you? You follow me.

Which, itself, was a strong rebuke. And in context of what love, but one which had just died and also been resurrected even for this man?

All our ills, our pains, our sufferings...they grieved Jesus, deeply. So, surely they grieve Him, still.
Now, why would we add to His grief, by even creating additional suffering by fighting amongst ourselves?

And for those who don't or refuse to understand what His will is?, prayer is our primary recourse. Lovingly endeavored. For, only the Father knows what it is come, for each of us--He had mercy on me, and surely on many of You--who are we to question His judgment? I know I was not and am not worthy. None of us are.

But He loved me and you so much He took on flesh, lived a life of temptation such as we do (yet, without sinning!), and died as an atonement for us...so that we can be absolved by a just God who yet loves us.

Would we not extend the same mercies lavished upon us, to others?
...for fear of rejection?...for fear of being wrong?...for fear of pain?...for fear of persecution?...for fear of falling away from Christ, per association with those we perceive as the unrighteous?

He has to be the one to guide in all these things, or we will end up doing damage--to ourselves and others. Even if it means painful separations, then He will give the strength, but He must be the one who directs steps and speech. And what He directs unto will accord with Scripture--will be in the Spirit which Scripture was given. Or it's not of Him. And He's not in a rush, He's Master of all--time included. So, test until you're sure. To whatever end. Because, ultimately, all we have is Him.

And either He will keep us, or He won't. Either He will deliver us, or He won't.
Either He will complete the work in us which He began, or He won't.

But from everything I've seen and experienced, and from all which is written and recorded, even according to His Spirit:

He stands by His word.
Faithfully.
Enduringly.
Steadfastly.
Eternally.

So, I'd rather take Him at His word than cling to doubts.
Even if that may ever mean mockery, rejection, isolation, dejection, difficulty, or whatsoever other difficulties might befall, to try me. Because I do also know that He works all things to good for those who love Him.

So whatever sufferings there are now...will be for the refinement of faith, the development of long-suffering, the perfection of love, and are not even worthy to be compared with the wonder to come.

He will keep those who are His. We're not capable of protecting ourselves from error, even--no matter what schemes we might develop, it's still only by His grace that we're preserved, ever having been delivered. Which serves as all the more reason to diligently seek Him, because He is so good and He rewards those who seek Him!

He will keep us, He will deliver us.

He will complete the good works that He began.
His salvation is sure.

We are not to be deceived, because He gives discernment. And as we draw nearer to Him, we see more clearly the snares and pitfalls which lay before us, and we become all the more desirous of only Him, thus are less inclined to err against Him.

He does these things. Even a desire for them only comes from Him.

We have esteemed ourselves for far too long, against Him.
In His mercy, by His grace, He's yet saved many, brought many to repentance.

And as it's His will, He'll continue to do so.

But there's no hope, apart from Him.
It's all Him. The universe exists in Him. A reality, superimposed.
He holds it all together.

Same, each of us.
Everything.

Just, we have to keep turning to Him. Constantly.

No matter what seeks to denounce need of Him. No matter what seeks to announce itself as a fair pursuit, even alongside...then, only if it's His personally revealed will...

We much all the more pray.

And if you don't hear Him, explicitly of the inner witness, then He'll no less bless whatever efforts toward seeking Him are earnestly and sincerely endeavored--because His love covers a multitude of sins, to those who repent and seek Him as Savior. And He will no less guide, so long as He's sought.

Just as, even where interpretation of Scripture differs, then so will His revelation of Himself and His guidance differ from each to each. But know, it's not any less of Him, regardless the form it takes, so long as it's in accord with the Holy Spirit, who always concurs with Scripture. Test Him on this. We're told we must.

And our own efforts, otherwise--around the whole course of our walk with Christ--are only to be a labor of love for Him. They add nothing to our salvation.

And, yet, to love Him is to seek to do whatever would please Him: Seeking to love Him more, understand Him better, and know Him more intimately, in all the purity and joy of His revelations...

...these are what we need, what He desires of us, and what we are primarily called to do.

Even unto serving one another, in love, out of love, out of the abundance of our love for God.

Rather than bickering over differences, then, seeking a reconciliation which comes only through Christ: let Him work out the details, as He, alone, can.

Just pray, follow His leading, love abundantly, and let Him be the one who guides in what need be said and done, when it need be said and done--if ever a moment does come when word or deed is either to be given or received, ever perhaps of correction unto deeper godliness.

Such are to be labors of love, or they're not of the Lord, regardless.
All we do.

Labors of love.