Why do so many conversations leave people feeling worse instead of better?In this episode, John walks through a powerful framework for communicating without condemnation, based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg:observe without e...

We live in a cancel culture.Accountability matters — but somewhere along the way, accountability became condemnation. Not just “that was wrong,” but “you are done.”In this episode, John explores:the rise of cancel culture an...

What if you’ve been reading the Bible… the wrong way?In this episode, John shares three unexpected tools for giving up condemnation:lighten upbring your shadow (your own capacity for failure)read everything ...

How does someone go from being full of condemnation… to writing, “There is now no condemnation”?In this episode, John explores the transformation of Paul — a man driven by zeal, judgment, and certainty — who encounters the risen Jesu...

What if our biggest barrier with God isn’t sin, but politeness?In this episode, John Ortberg explores a surprising truth from Scripture: God isn’t looking for polished prayers. He’s inviting honest relationship. Through the story of Job...

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 wit...

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 li...

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....

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 wh...

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 i...

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 cha...

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...

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, Jes...

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 T...

Why does condemnation feel like it’s everywhere today?In this episode, John Ortberg explores a cultural shift: we no longer define a “good person” by love and character, but by holding the “right” opinions. The result? More judgment, mo...

Sign up here to receive the Formation Newsletter: https://becomenew.com/formation/What if the antidote to condemnation isn’t trying harder to be nice… but learning to know yourself?In this conversation, John Ortberg talks with p...

You don’t condemn people… right?Let me stop you right there.In this episode, John Ortberg walks through six surprisingly common styles of condemnation — from the obvious (aggressive anger) to the subtle (silence, sarcasm, p...

There is now no condemnation...but if we’re honest, sometimes condemnation feels effective.In this episode, John Ortberg explores what Dallas Willard called the law of reciprocal condemnation — the almost unbreakable cycle where ...

In this episode, John Ortberg offers what he calls “two cheers for guilt and shame.” Drawing from the book of Judges, John explores why justice matters, why moral reality is woven into the fabric of existence, and why a world without any sense ...

John Ortberg builds on a surprising Lenten invitation echoed even by the Pope: fast from harsh words. Disarm your language. Refuse contempt.John revisits what condemnation actually is — not discernment, not moral clarity — but a toxic mix o...

Condemnation comes easily when we quietly assume we earned where we stand.In this episode, John explores two truths that change everything about how we see other people: we do not know their full story — and we do not know their future....

Today, John Ortberg uses Les Misérables by Victor Hugo to explore two ways of living:• the condemning life (Javert)• the blessing life (the Bishop)• and the transformed life (Jean Valjean)Drawing on Romans 8, 2 Corinthia...

Why does condemnation feel so automatic?In this episode, John explores how shame and judgment often operate through what sociologists call status degradation rituals, the subtle ways we lower others to elevate ourselves.Drawing ...

Why does condemnation feel so automatic?In this episode, John Ortberg invites us to slow down, breathe, and notice something surprising: judgment doesn’t just live in our thoughts — it lives in our bodies.Returning to the story ...

How do you tell someone they’re wrong… without condemning them?John Ortberg explores one of the most important distinctions in communication: the difference between tone and heart. Tone can be soothing or jarring. But the heart must alw...