Become New with John Ortberg

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.

How do you confront someone’s behavior without becoming condemning yourself?
In this episode, John walks through a common real-life situation — dealing with a difficult family member — and explains the three elements required for genuine change.

Drawing on insights from Henry Cloud, Dallas Willard, and research on conflict and relationships, John shows why condemnation rarely leads to transformation.

You’ll discover:
- why grace must come first
- how truth can be spoken without hostility
- why the emotional tone of a conversation matters
- the surprising role patience plays in change
- why grace + truth + time are all necessary

Real growth rarely happens overnight. But when grace, truth, and time come together, relationships can begin to change in ways condemnation never could.
Because there is now no condemnation.

📚 Today's Resources:
Henry Cloud — insights on the change process
Dallas Willard — interpretation of Galatians 6
The Way Out — Peter Coleman
Research from John Gottman and Barbara Fredrickson on emotional tone in conflict

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

Is it really surprising that God loves you?

In this episode, John challenges a common assumption many Christians carry: that God’s love for us is somehow unexpected or hard for Him. But Scripture paints a different picture. Over and over again, the Bible declares something astonishingly simple — God is love.

John explores two truths we must hold together. First, we are broken and imperfect. But second, God’s very nature is love. And our brokenness cannot change who God is.

Drawing from passages like John 3, Romans 5, 1 John 4, and Ephesians 3, John explains how understanding God’s nature reshapes our lives. When we become rooted in love, condemnation begins to lose its power, and love naturally flows outward to others.

Because the deepest truth of the universe is this:
 God is love.

📚 Today's Resources:
The Problem of Pain — C. S. Lewis

🙌 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 if the key to overcoming condemnation isn’t arguing better — but listening better?

In this episode, John explores Jesus’ surprising instruction in Luke 8:18: “Consider carefully how you listen.” Through the parable of the sower, Jesus explains that the condition of our hearts determines whether the words we hear bring growth or simply bounce off.

John shares a recent moment when he caught himself listening critically instead of humbly — and how a simple shift changed everything.

You’ll learn:

- why we often listen in order to judge
- the three unhealthy ways we listen
- what Jesus means by a “good and noble heart”
- how humble listening opens the door to growth
- why listening well makes condemnation harder

When we begin to listen with humility — asking what God might want to show us — conversations change. And so do we.

Because there is now no condemnation.

📚 Today's Resources:
Deborah Tannen, You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation 
Kenneth E. Bailey, Poet & Peasant: A Literary-Cultural Approach to the Parables in Luke 

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

The opposite of condemnation isn’t just restraint...it’s blessing.

In this episode, John Ortberg explores how Jesus calls us to become people who actively bless others — even those who curse us. Drawing from Scripture and insights from The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent, John walks through five powerful ways to bless others: meaningful words, honoring value, appropriate touch, envisioning a future, and showing up with presence.

Blessing doesn’t just change others — it changes us.
Because when we bless, we live the life Jesus envisioned.
There is now… therefore… no condemnation.

📚 Today's Resources:
Gary Smalley & John Trent, Ph.D., The Blessing 

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