Become New with John Ortberg 40. What If We’re Not Being Honest With God
Mar 23, 2026
A call to trade religious politeness for raw honesty in prayer. A fresh look at Job and biblical lament as models for speaking bluntly to God. Personal stories and cultural examples show why hiding doubts keeps us distant. An invitation to bring confusion, hurt, and anger into relationship instead of masking them.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rex Modeled Brutal Honesty With Love
- Ortberg shares about his friend Rex, a therapist-pastor who spoke direct, loving truth to him and Nancy.
- Rex told Nancy she owed Ortberg an apology and told Ortberg years ago, 'yeah, like you could have done so much better.'
Honesty Trumps Politeness In Faith
- John Ortberg argues that Job's raw rage and complaints toward God are closer to true faith than his friends' polite defenses.
- Job insists God must be good and refuses to accept suffering as mere proof of divine power without justice, drawing him nearer to God.
Politeness Can Create Distance From God
- Ortberg observes that many Christians default to polite deference, covering confusion with false piety when facing God.
- He confesses his own tendency to be 'too polite' and notes politeness can control distance in relationships.
