Become New with John Ortberg

20. The Right Way to Tell Someone They're Wrong


Listen Later

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 always be love.

Looking at Matthew 23, where Jesus confronts religious leaders with blistering language, John asks: Was Jesus condemning them? Or was something deeper happening?

You’ll discover:
- Why condemnation is not the same as moral clarity
- The difference between contempt and courage
- What “malice + disgust” really means
- Why Jesus compares himself to a mother hen
- How to speak the truth in love without losing your soul

Drawing from Romans 8, Matthew 23, Luke 19, and a reflection by Barbara Brown Taylor, this episode offers a powerful prayer for Lent:
“God, give me the right heart. Then show me the right tone.”

If you’re navigating conflict, leadership, parenting, or hard conversations — this one matters.

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

📚 Today's Resources:
Barbara Brown Taylor — reflection on the chapel Dominus Flevit and the image of the mother hen
Chapel of Dominus Flevit (“The Lord Wept”) on the Mount of Olives
Film reference: A League of Their Own (Tom Hanks coach scene — jarring tone, not necessarily a bad heart)

🙌 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

😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/
🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/

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

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Become New with John OrtbergBy Become New

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

345 ratings


More shows like Become New with John Ortberg

View all
Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life by Tim Keller

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

16,071 Listeners

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

Wild at Heart

1,710 Listeners

Bridgetown Audio Podcast by Bridgetown Church

Bridgetown Audio Podcast

2,828 Listeners

The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast by Art of Leadership Network

The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

2,277 Listeners

BibleProject by BibleProject Podcast

BibleProject

19,511 Listeners

The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast by Pete Scazzero

The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast

670 Listeners

Theology in the Raw by Theology in the Raw

Theology in the Raw

1,490 Listeners

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick by Michael John Cusick

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

466 Listeners

Church of the City New York by Jon Tyson

Church of the City New York

860 Listeners

Typology by Ian Morgan Cron

Typology

3,211 Listeners

Trinity Forum Conversations by The Trinity Forum

Trinity Forum Conversations

220 Listeners

John Mark Comer Teachings by Practicing the Way

John Mark Comer Teachings

1,830 Listeners

The Best of You by Dr. Alison Cook

The Best of You

908 Listeners

Rule of Life by Practicing the Way

Rule of Life

741 Listeners

The Dallas Willard Podcast by Dallas Willard

The Dallas Willard Podcast

187 Listeners