Become New with John Ortberg

They unpack how shame and judgment operate as social rituals that lower others to lift ourselves up. They explore everyday examples and a sociologist’s concept of status degradation. They trace Gospel scenes where Jesus reverses humiliation through humility, service, and voluntary suffering. They invite practicing elevation by serving and lifting people instead of shaming them.

A calm guide to noticing how judgment shows up in your body and daily life. Short breathing practices and the 90-second rule help interrupt automatic condemnation. The talk contrasts choosing not to judge with deeper emotional transformation. Practical prompts and everyday examples reveal how blessing can rewire reactions and let you disagree without dehumanizing others.

A conversation about correcting others without condemning them. It explores the difference between tone and heart and why love must drive correction. Biblical passages and a mother-hen image illustrate fierce compassion. Practical distinctions include contempt versus courage and how to speak truth in love.

A thoughtful walk through the friction between mercy and justice. Scripture and the prophets are mined for their urgent outrage at injustice. Stories and biblical scenes show why accountability matters even if condemnation is not final. The talk contrasts Jesus’ gentleness toward sinners with his fury at self-righteousness.

A thoughtful look at how blame started in the human story and why it becomes our reflex. Readings from Paradise Lost and cultural theory frame how blame shows up in relationships and society. Practical prompts invite honest ownership of fault and living one day without deflecting responsibility. The talk points to healing through love and humility rather than avoiding pain.

A Lenten invitation to give up condemnation and explore where shame begins. Traces shame from Genesis through psychology, trauma-informed theology, and lived experience. Contrasts guilt with shame and introduces the concepts of a shame concierge and a grace concierge. Encourages bringing shame into the light and finding acceptance, love, and belonging.

A wise invitation to give up condemnation and choose blessing in daily life. Short reflections range from Genesis and neuroscience to moral emotion and the 90-second rule for interrupting reactive anger. Stories about family, film, and an old dog illustrate how withheld blessing causes real hurt. Practical pauses and new narratives show how to shift from disgust to intentional blessing.

A call to stop carrying condemnation and the practice of refusing to have the last word. A memorable story about Dallas Willard modeling silence under insult. Reflections on Jesus’ response to accusation and how love can replace blame. A 40-day Lenten invitation to release judgment and practice living in love.

A reflection on how greetings can be sacred doorways into real connection. A story about a leader who made people feel seen and how Jesus welcomed interruptions. Observations about declining social formalities and what they reveal about identity. A challenge to notice missed moments at home and to greet others with grace that treats people as precious and possible.

A candid look at whether technology nourishes the soul or erodes it. Reflections on how screens enable prayer and connection while fueling loneliness, anxiety, and addiction. A focus on young people, parenting struggles with devices, and practical invitations to leave virtual echo chambers for real-world life. Teases ten tech-wise guidelines and a call to choose actions that build wisdom.