Become New with John Ortberg 34. When Someone in Your Family Won’t Change...
Mar 13, 2026
A practical walkthrough of confronting a stubborn family member without condemnation. Explores the three essentials for change: grace, truth, and time. Highlights why emotional tone and a gentle start matter. Points to empathy, patience, and repeating clear requests as keys to transformation.
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Uncle Billy As The Family Divide Example
- John Ortberg shares a common family example: 'Uncle Billy' posts hateful, sarcastic political content online that divides the family.
- He uses this archetype to explore how condemnation escalates conflict and prevents restoration.
Restoration Should Be The Primary Goal
- Restoration, not condemnation, should be the goal when someone is caught in sin or harmful behavior.
- John Ortberg cites Dallas Willard's Galatians 6 translation and stresses empathy and humility because "that could be me."
Pray First And Bring Humility
- Start with prayer and ask the Spirit for wisdom before confronting a family member about hurtful behavior.
- Use humility and empathy, remembering you could do the same thing, to avoid self-righteous correction.
