HER FAITH INSPIRES Ep 328: Loving Them to Death with Cortney Donelson

 

Season: 22 Episode: 318

Summary

In this important conversation, I sit down with Cortney Donelson, author of Loving Them to Death, to talk about one of the most emotionally charged issues in our culture: love.

What if the way culture defines love isn’t actually loving? What if affirmation without truth is doing more harm than good?

We unpack how “love” has been redefined to mean unconditional approval, why that definition falls short of the biblical standard, and how Christians are often pressured to compromise truth in order to appear compassionate. Cortney shares why untethering love from God’s design doesn’t rescue people — it enables destruction.

We also discuss what it really looks like to love people well: speaking truth with courage, refusing emotional manipulation, and anchoring our compassion in the character of Christ.

If you’ve ever been told you’re unloving for holding to Scripture, this episode will equip you to think clearly and respond biblically.

Get Cortney’s Book

Question One

Tell us a little about your story and why you wrote Loving Them to Death

Question Two

The title Loving Them to Death is provocative. How do you define “deceptive love,” and what risks does it pose to believers today?

Question Three

In your book, what role does culture’s definition of love play in shaping how Christians misunderstand love?
(Explore the cultural critique at the core of the book.)

Question Four

How does Scripture’s definition of love differ from the world’s definition, and why does it matter for everyday relationships?
(Highlight theological grounding.)

Question Five

Did you wrestle personally with any misunderstandings of love while writing the book? How did Scripture reshape your own heart?
(Invite vulnerability that connects with the audience.)

Question Six

One challenge for many Christians is discerning between healthy sacrifice and self-destructive patterns. How does your book help readers navigate that distinction?
(Practical application for listeners/readers.)

Question Seven

What are some common misconceptions about love you see in Christian communities, and how are they addressed in the book?
(Engage with internal church culture.)

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