Become New with John Ortberg

A look at how condemnation operates in public and online life and why people seek someone to blame. A comparison between ancient scapegoating rituals and the story of the woman caught in adultery. A close reading of Jesus’ response that interrupts mob justice and creates space for reflection. An invitation to stop throwing metaphorical stones and allow room for mercy without excusing wrongdoing.

A conversation about letting go of the need for the last word and why that hollow victory harms relationships. A clear distinction between criticism and condemnation and why one can build you while the other attacks identity. Practical listening tips like asking and paraphrasing to receive hard feedback. Biblical stories of King David show restraint, repentance, and growth amid public shame.

A look at why condemnation starts in how we see people, not just what we say. A clear distinction between simple observation and value judgments. Stories showing how noticing facts can replace harsh evaluations. Reflections on seeing others as image-bearers and asking what Jesus would notice. A practical daily practice to shift perception and respond with curiosity instead of contempt.

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.

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.

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.

A reflection on why God’s love should not be surprising. Short reads of key Scriptures explain love as God’s constant nature. A reminder that human brokenness does not change divine love. Practical invitations to be rooted in that love and let it flow outward.

A look at Jesus’ call to “consider carefully how you listen” and what it means for how we receive words. Exploration of listening styles like report vs rapport talk and why we default to judging. A personal story about catching a critical listening habit and shifting to humble, learning-focused listening. Breakdown of three unhealthy listening patterns and what a good, receptive heart looks like.

A look at blessing as the opposite of condemnation and why we are called to bless even those who hurt us. Practical ways to bless are explored: affirming words, honoring someone’s value, appropriate touch, picturing a hopeful future, and simply showing up. Stories and Scripture illustrate how blessing reshapes relationships and transforms the one who gives it.

A reflection on why condemnation feels so common today and how cultural shifts prize correct opinions over character. A look at historical moral frameworks that valued love and virtue instead of ideology. A critique of polarization, profit-driven contempt, and the moral cost of treating hatred as a virtue. An invitation to seek compassion, forgiveness, and humble trust illustrated by Kierkegaard’s lilies and birds.