Facades and surface-level conversations are barriers to deep and satisfying connection and community. God has given us the New Community to become a “safe place” to grow and change. The remedy to hypocrisy is compassionate vulnerability. Christ’s new community can be a safe place where we can unburden ourselves without fear of judgment, exposure, or belittlement. We can choose to make our fellowship a caring place to be honest in our struggles, to seek support in our weaknesses, to celebrate our victories, to expose our shameful areas, to admit our disappointments, and to share our boldest hopes and dreams. Paul outlines the commitments and qualities necessary to create this environment of trust and openness.
