37. The Real Reason Why We Judge Others

Become New with John Ortberg

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

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

More description

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.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com

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

2026-03-18 12 min
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