October 12th, 2025
by Zach Terry
by Zach Terry
When “Love Your Neighbor” Becomes a Weapon
A Conversation between Pastor Zach Terry and Attorney Jeff Childers
Watch the full conversation on YouTube
In this week’s Code Red episode, attorney and author Jeff Childers (of Coffee & Covid) joined me for a candid conversation about what’s really happening at the intersection of faith and culture.
We tackled a growing trend in the evangelical world: pastors and leaders using “love your neighbor” as a theological cover for cowardice.
In this week’s Code Red episode, attorney and author Jeff Childers (of Coffee & Covid) joined me for a candid conversation about what’s really happening at the intersection of faith and culture.
We tackled a growing trend in the evangelical world: pastors and leaders using “love your neighbor” as a theological cover for cowardice.

When “Gospel-Only” Becomes “Truth-Optional”
We began with comments from J.D. Greear, former SBC president, who suggested that believers can be “accurate and courageous on every issue and still fail in the mission of Jesus.”
In theory, I agree—if we preach truth without love, we’ve missed the heart of Christ.
But in practice, this “gospel-only” approach has become a smokescreen.
Since 2020, many pulpits have hidden behind a thin veil of neutrality while adopting leftist talking points.
Pastors demanded masks “for your neighbor’s sake.”
They urged vaccines “because Jesus would.”
And when those claims turned out to be false, few—if any—repented.
As Jeff put it:
They spoke medical advice from the pulpit and called it theology.
Now that we know the shots didn’t stop transmission, shouldn’t there be accountability?
In theory, I agree—if we preach truth without love, we’ve missed the heart of Christ.
But in practice, this “gospel-only” approach has become a smokescreen.
Since 2020, many pulpits have hidden behind a thin veil of neutrality while adopting leftist talking points.
Pastors demanded masks “for your neighbor’s sake.”
They urged vaccines “because Jesus would.”
And when those claims turned out to be false, few—if any—repented.
As Jeff put it:
“Where’s the repentance from those who told their congregations that getting a shot was a spiritual duty?”
They spoke medical advice from the pulpit and called it theology.
Now that we know the shots didn’t stop transmission, shouldn’t there be accountability?
Truth Is the Real Love Language
The command to “love your neighbor” was never meant to silence truth.
It means speaking truth even when it’s uncomfortable—especially when it’s uncomfortable.
To withhold truth in the name of love isn’t compassion; it’s complicity.
We discussed the case of a Texas church member disciplined for opposing a Hindu idol procession in his neighborhood.
He wasn’t racist. He wasn’t hateful.
He simply said: “If I wanted my kids raised in India, I’d move to India.”
For that, his church elders called him unloving.
As Jeff observed, the same leaders who tolerate open sin will discipline a man for loving his country.
And yet, Scripture is clear: God—not globalism—created the nations and their borders (Acts 17:26).
It means speaking truth even when it’s uncomfortable—especially when it’s uncomfortable.
To withhold truth in the name of love isn’t compassion; it’s complicity.
We discussed the case of a Texas church member disciplined for opposing a Hindu idol procession in his neighborhood.
He wasn’t racist. He wasn’t hateful.
He simply said: “If I wanted my kids raised in India, I’d move to India.”
For that, his church elders called him unloving.
As Jeff observed, the same leaders who tolerate open sin will discipline a man for loving his country.
And yet, Scripture is clear: God—not globalism—created the nations and their borders (Acts 17:26).
Christian and Nationalist (But Not “Christian Nationalist”)
When asked if I’m a Christian nationalist, I answered simply:
The problem isn’t in the words but the order and intent.
Being a Christian means Christ defines every part of life, including how we think about government, culture, and citizenship.
Being a nationalist means I believe in the God-ordained value of nations.
But the hyphenated term “Christian nationalist” has become a linguistic trap—a way to discredit believers who refuse to bow to globalist ideology.
As Jeff noted:
“I’m a Christian—and I’m a nationalist.”
The problem isn’t in the words but the order and intent.
Being a Christian means Christ defines every part of life, including how we think about government, culture, and citizenship.
Being a nationalist means I believe in the God-ordained value of nations.
But the hyphenated term “Christian nationalist” has become a linguistic trap—a way to discredit believers who refuse to bow to globalist ideology.
As Jeff noted:
“Who created the nations? God did. Who created globalism? Nimrod did.”
That’s not a political statement—it’s a biblical one.
That’s not a political statement—it’s a biblical one.
Silence Is No Longer an Option
In the end, what’s at stake isn’t style, tone, or even politics—it’s clarity.
2020 stripped away the illusion of neutrality.
The church can no longer afford to be vague while the world grows bolder in its rebellion.
When people come into our churches—whether confused about gender, sexuality, or morality—they deserve truth wrapped in grace, not ambiguity wrapped in fear.
Because it’s not hate to tell someone the truth—it’s the highest form of love.
2020 stripped away the illusion of neutrality.
The church can no longer afford to be vague while the world grows bolder in its rebellion.
When people come into our churches—whether confused about gender, sexuality, or morality—they deserve truth wrapped in grace, not ambiguity wrapped in fear.
Because it’s not hate to tell someone the truth—it’s the highest form of love.
A Final Word
If you’re tired of watered-down takes and want to hear conversations that speak biblical clarity into a confused culture, join me over on Code Red.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Listen. Think. Pray. And share truth boldly
Support the Work
This content is brought to you by Maximum Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit media ministry.
If you’d like to help us expand this message into more cities, consider giving at zachterry.com/donate.
☕ Check out Jeff Childers’ Coffee & Covid at www.coffeeandcovid.com
?️ Follow Code Red for more bold conversations about faith and culture.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Listen. Think. Pray. And share truth boldly
Support the Work
This content is brought to you by Maximum Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit media ministry.
If you’d like to help us expand this message into more cities, consider giving at zachterry.com/donate.
☕ Check out Jeff Childers’ Coffee & Covid at www.coffeeandcovid.com
?️ Follow Code Red for more bold conversations about faith and culture.
The Maximum Life Blog
My name is Zach Terry. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are my own, with occasional interjections from my bride of nearly 25 years, Julie. This format of publication is meant to allow for engagement and interaction. Feel free to comment. But please, be nice.
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