Become New with John Ortberg 36. How to Let Go of Your Anger
Mar 17, 2026
A look at how a life marked by kidnapping and slavery became a story of radical return and forgiveness. Exploration of how rumination and gossip trap the heart. Practical habits for stopping repetitive anger and redirecting thoughts. Reflection on prayer replacing vengeance and the influence of Celtic spiritual practices.
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St Patrick Returned To Love His Captors
- John Ortberg recounts St. Patrick's kidnapping and six years of slavery beginning at age 16, which led him to intense prayer and spiritual growth.
- After escaping and returning home, Patrick dreamt of the Irish calling him back, prompting him to return and minister to his former captors.
No Distractions Can Shift The Soul's Direction
- Ortberg observes that when people are deprived of distractions, their minds either turn to vengeance or to prayer and love.
- He uses Patrick's imprisonment to show how having 'nothing to do' freed him to choose sustained prayer over rage.
Reinterpreting Trauma As A Call To Love
- Ortberg highlights how Patrick reinterpreted trauma as a call to love his enemies rather than seek vengeance.
- He links this reframing to the cross and notes the Greek root of trauma echoing Isaiah's 'wounded for our transgressions.'
