One of the most fundamental elements for a sense of community to happen and grow is authenticity.  When people communicate honestly with each other, there is less room to hide from one another.  Authenticity is a commitment that is not always easily achieved.  We live in a culture of smooth words and easy speech, where we often say what we think others want to hear rather than what they might need to hear.

If you are going to speak honestly, you must speak truthfully.  Sometimes the truth hurts and can be rather brutal.  According to Ephesians 4, when we speak truthfully with a genuine love as our motivation, we all grow mature.  Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church paints a beautiful picture of a flourishing community of believers where each person is supported and built up as each plays his or her part.  Consider the benefit.  Imagine a place where a growing community of believers accepts you for who you are, as you are and together, you all strive to grow closer to Christ.

For this beautiful picture to become reality, authenticity is required.  Do not hide any longer behind half-truths and embellished stories to look and feel better about yourself.  Be honest with each other at all times and as you go through all sorts of different circumstances.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
(Ephesians 4:15-16)