Love Never Fails (?)

On July 4, 2025, I officially published the second edition of this book. The first had been written years earlier under the title Radical Forgiveness and included all of the chapters on forgiveness, but none of my personal story.

When I finally completed and sent the second edition into the world, I intended it to be the final. With the inclusion of the courthouse story as well as the epilogue with Zach, the beautiful message that “love never fails” was complete. In my opinion, there would be no reasoning for a third version of this book to be written— yet what you are now holding in your hands is, in fact, the third edition… updated not even a year later.

On July 26th, 2025, Zach Phelps-Roper made the decision to end his own life. When I saw the news, I couldn’t believe it. Zach had struggled with his mental health in the past and had attempted suicide before, but it had been many years since those attempts. In our many conversations, he often shared with me his zeal for life or a project he was excitedly working on— and I had no evidence to suspect he might one day try again.

His death, so soon after the publication of this second edition, left me wondering about the ending. As you’ve read this book, you too were undoubtedly left on that high note, picturing the arrival of Zach at my wedding after thirteen hours of driving with a new message on his sign— but more importantly, in his heart.

Yet, where does suicide leave us in the end? Admittedly, this goes beyond the beauty of forgiveness and is thus outside the larger scope of this book, but it seemed wholly necessary to address.

Is “love never fails” a smokescreen? In retrospect and in light of Zach’s death, can we truly even consider the possibility? With such a sad ending, is it better to admit that— in this case— love ended up failing?

Upon hearing about the tragedy, people came out of the woodwork with their stories:

“He helped me heal from my childhood trauma and was always there for his loved ones. He would give you the shirt off his back.”

“He was taught so much hate as a child, but he grew up to be the most kindhearted, loving, and intelligent person I’ve ever met.”

“I’ll never forget how he helped me get clean from drugs. He kept me so encouraged and supported and we shared a brotherhood.”

“Zach was more than just a coworker, he was a kind soul, a steady presence, and a friend. He brought a quiet strength, a sense of calm, and a genuine care for the people around him.”

There were hundreds of comments more, coming from acquaintances who had spoken over the phone, close friends, co-workers, and other family members who had left Westboro. The love that Zach had found had clearly transformed many, many lives.

Eleven days before his passing, Zach messaged me with some of his thoughts about Jesus. He had been studying various “Masters” as he called them; those who had made in impact in various faiths over thousands of years. When he returned to studying Jesus with fresh eyes after a childhood of believing in the hateful Jesus at Westboro, he found something new:

“He is the only Master that I studied who told us to love our enemies. His level of unconditional love made him a paragon of righteousness. I want to become more like him every day.”

May we all become more like Him every day; giving until it hurts to who have hurt us the most.