Jelly Roll Applauds Shift in Contemporary Christianity Toward Love and Empathy
Country singer Jelly Roll says on a new podcast that he’s excited about the growing popularity of Jesus in society and believes the church is properly focused on loving others instead of slinging stones.
The Hard Fought Hallelujah singer’s comments were highlighted by American Songwriter, which noted that while he may “seem an unlikely ambassador for Christianity,” it’s “precisely because of his life’s winding path that his story resonates with so many.”
Jelly Roll (born Jason DeFord) famously spent time in jail as a young adult after multiple arrests on drug charges. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee pardoned him in December.
He won three Dove Awards last year for his collaboration with Brandon Lake on Hard Fought Hallelujah – including Song of the Year.
“I love where contemporary Christianity is heading right now,” he said, according to American Songwriter. “I think it's back in love and empathy. I think Christians are like – and I am a Christian – but I think that popular Christianity is back in the world again [and] it’s not being preachy on corners and through megaphones. It's, like, through acts of service, through acts of kindness. Christians are back showing up for people.”
A significant share of the world’s charitable giving, he noted, comes from Christians.
“It feels like we're talking about Jesus in a really cool way,” he said.
Jelly Roll even addressed the subject of cussing, noting he is reading his Bible again and is open to further change in his life.
“If Jesus really wants me to quit cussing, y’all, I’m back in my Bible right now. I'm reading again, it's on my bus. You know what I mean? Like, He'll come to me – if He tugs on my heart to do something else,” he said without finishing the thought. He quickly added, referencing their faith discussion: “You couldn't tell me three or four years ago this is how I would be talking on a podcast.”
Speaking at the Dove Awards in October, Jelly Roll said his Christian faith is the result of caring people telling him about Jesus.
“I was thinking about Matthew, when he talks about the least, when he said, ‘When I was hungry, you fed me, when I was thirsty, you gave me water, when I was in jail, you came and visited me,’” Jelly Roll said, quoting the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:36.
“And I realized that I'm standing here because people took time with the least. And I want to get this message as clear as I can. Right now the world is hearing about Jesus like they haven’t in decades.”
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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published January 16, 2026.
