24. The Fence They Couldn’t Get Over episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 27, 2026 · 14 MIN

24. The Fence They Couldn’t Get Over

from Become New with John Ortberg · host Become New

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.Drawing on Psalm 103 and the classic film Angels with Dirty Faces, John tells the story of two boys who run from the police. One clears a fence. One doesn’t. That single moment sends their lives in opposite directions. Years later, one is a priest. One is a criminal.How much of what we call character was shaped by circumstances we did not choose?You’ll discover:- Why condemnation assumes too much- What Psalm 103 means when it says “we are dust”- How curiosity disarms contempt- Why only God sees the whole arc of a life- How to bless someone you’re tempted to judgeJohn closes by inviting you to bring to mind the person you’re most tempted to hold in contempt — and to pray for them instead.Because there is now no condemnation.📚 Today's Resources:Angels with Dirty Faces starring James Cagney and Pat O'BrienTim Keller — reflection on the film in The Reason for God🙌 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 855-888-0444EMAIL US at [email protected] OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND 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 - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 27, 2026

Embed this episode

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. Drawing on Psalm 103 and the classic film Angels with Dirty Faces, John tells the story of two boys who run from the police. One clears a fence. One doesn’t. That single moment sends their lives in opposite directions. Years later, one is a priest. One is a...

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.

NOW PLAYING

24. The Fence They Couldn’t Get Over

0:00 14:12

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Become New with John Ortberg?

This episode is 14 minutes long.

When was this Become New with John Ortberg episode published?

This episode was published on February 27, 2026.

Can I download this Become New with John Ortberg episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!