Become New with John Ortberg

We don’t throw stones anymore.
Except… we do.

Online.
In conversations.
With a look, a tone, a pause.

In this episode, John Ortberg unpacks one of the most famous and unsettling teachings of Jesus:

“Let the one without sin cast the first stone.”

Through a powerful contrast between ancient scapegoating and the story of the woman in John 8, we see what Jesus is really doing:

Not denying sin.
Not ignoring truth.
But interrupting condemnation.

Because there is something in every human heart that wants:

someone to blame

someone to shame

someone to bring down

But Jesus offers a different way.

A way where:

truth is spoken

sin is taken seriously

but people are not crushed

The invitation today is simple—and hard:

Put down the stone.

Because the moment you release condemnation,
you make space for grace.

There is now… therefore… no condemnation.

📚 Today's Resources:
René Girard and James G. Williams, I See Satan Fall Like Lightning 

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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Criticism is inevitable.
Condemnation is optional.

In this episode, John Ortberg explores one of the most important distinctions for spiritual growth: how to receive criticism without absorbing condemnation.

Drawing from the life of King David, we see a man who:
Refused to take revenge when attacked
Ignored false condemnation
Yet humbly received painful truth when it mattered most

The Bible consistently teaches us:
Listen to criticism.
Learn from correction.
But do not internalize condemnation.

Because condemnation attacks your identity—
while healthy criticism can transform your life.

So what do you do when criticism comes?

Instead of getting defensive…
lean in.

“Is there anything else?”

This simple posture can turn even hard conversations into opportunities for growth.

Because when you are rooted in God’s love,
you don’t have to protect your ego—
you’re free to grow.

There is now… therefore… no condemnation.

📚 Today's Resources:
Michael B. Nichols and Martha B. Straus, The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships 

🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Condemnation doesn’t start with what we say.
It starts with how we see people.

In this episode, John Ortberg explores the root of condemnation and a critical distinction that can change the way we live: observation vs. evaluation.
Drawing from insights in Nonviolent Communication, John shows how easily our minds move from simply noticing behavior to assigning judgment, criticism, or contempt. And once that shift happens, condemnation begins to grow.

Jesus addressed this problem directly in the Sermon on the Mount when he said:
“First take the plank out of your own eye.”

The real issue isn’t just our words — it’s our perception.
When we learn to see people the way Jesus sees them — as bearers of God’s image — our responses change. Curiosity replaces contempt. Love replaces judgment.

Today’s practice is simple but powerful:
As you move through your day, pause and ask:
What would Jesus see when he looks at this person?
Because when we change how we see,we change how we love.
And in Christ, there is now… therefore… no condemnation.

📚 Today's Resources:
 Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life 
Iris Murdoch, The Sovereignty of Good 
Yoel Kahn, The Three Blessings: Boundaries, Censorship, and Identity in Jewish Liturgy
 
🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What do you do with the anger that keeps replaying in your mind?

The conversations.
The injustice.
The words you wish you could say back.

In this episode, John Ortberg looks at the remarkable life of Saint Patrick — a man who was kidnapped, enslaved for six years, and yet chose a path almost no one would expect.

Instead of revenge, Patrick returned to the people who enslaved him with a message of love and forgiveness.

His life raises a hard question for all of us:

What do we do with the pain that makes condemnation feel justified?

John explores two deeply practical practices that help us escape the prison of bitterness:

• Stop ruminating about the person who hurt you
• Stop gossiping about them

These small decisions can redirect the entire trajectory of your heart.

Because the voice you rehearse in your mind
will eventually shape the life you live.

And the way of Jesus — even in the face of deep injustice — is the way of blessing.

📚 Today's Resources:
Saint Patrick, Confession
https://a.co/d/03vuAWnF

Jonathan Bardon, A History of Ireland
https://a.co/d/0bVNXger

Northumbria Community, Celtic Daily Prayer
https://a.co/d/00ovpl4V

🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe
GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444
SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

There’s a voice in your head that never stops talking.
But not every voice deserves to be trusted.

In this episode, John Ortberg explores the difference between self-condemnation and conviction. Drawing on insights from Ignatius of Loyola, Marshall Rosenberg, and Michael Singer, John shows how comparison and inner criticism can spiral into despair.
But the voice of God works differently.
Self-condemnation attacks your identity.Conviction speaks to your actions.
Self-condemnation leads to hiding.Conviction leads to hope and change.
Learning to recognize the difference may be one of the most important spiritual skills you ever develop.

Because the voice you listen to insideis usually the voice you use with others.
There is now… therefore… no condemnation.