Become New with John Ortberg 35. The Difference Between Conviction and Condemnation
Mar 16, 2026
A deep dive into the inner voice that never stops talking. Exploration of how comparison and inner criticism spiral into despair. A look at Ignatius of Loyola’s discernment and how to tell spiritual movements apart. Clear contrasts between identity-attacking condemnation and action-focused conviction. Practical markers to recognize which voice leads to hope and growth.
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Stop Comparing Yourself To Idealized Standards
- Avoid comparing yourself to media ideals or historical figures because it intentionally produces misery and blocks compassion.
- John Ortberg cites Marshall Rosenberg's example of measuring your body against ideal photos then Mozart versus your achievements to show how this spirals into despair.
Notice The Never-Ending Inner Dialogue
- Recognize the constant inner dialogue and question why it speaks and when it does.
- Ortberg references Michael Singer to show the mind's nonstop commentary that can be mistaken for truth or divine prompting.
Discern Movements That Draw You Toward Or Away From God
- Discern whether inner movements pull you toward God or away from God as Ignatius taught.
- Ortberg frames this as the core test for spirits: do they move me toward God or away from God.
