Become New with John Ortberg

18. How to Live Without Blaming Others


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Today, John Ortberg tackles one of our most stubborn spiritual habits: blame.

Tracing its origins back to Genesis, John shows how blame enters the human story the moment shame appears—and how quickly we learn to deflect responsibility onto others. From Adam and Eve to modern relationships, blame becomes our go-to strategy for avoiding pain.

Along the way, John draws from Scripture, Paradise Lost, and insights from thinkers like Charles Tilly and Paul Tournier to explore why we instinctively hog credit and dodge fault—and why spiritual maturity looks like learning to own our part with humility and courage.

John reminds us that while removing blame can reduce shame, only love actually heals the soul. Real freedom comes not from avoiding responsibility, but from stepping into God’s presence honestly, without hiding or deflecting.

This is a thoughtful, practical invitation to live one day at a time without blaming others—and to discover again the grace that makes change possible.

Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment

📚 Today's Resources:
John Milton, Paradise Lost 
Charles Tilly, Credit and Blame 
Paul Tournier, Guilt & Grace: A Psychological Study 

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