Before his death from cancer, James Van Der Beek shared a hopeful message about being worthy of God’s love that continues to inspire millions of people.

The beloved actor, most notably known for his work on the 90s show Dawson’s Creek, shared an emotional message on his Instagram account a few months after revealing his diagnosis of colon cancer, which continues to be viewed by millions of people on social media.

“I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist,” said Van Der Beek, wearing a tweed hat and earth-toned sweater. “And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?”

The power of Van Der Beek’s message

His words tapped into something deep about identity and human worth, especially when facing challenging circumstances.

Whether you were a fan of Van Der Beek’s work or not, I believe you will find his words inspiring.

Background on James Van Der Beek’s health journey

Van Der Beek announced in November of 2025 that he was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer.

“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” he wrote on Instagram on November 3. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.”

In December, he appeared on the cover of People Magazine and appeared on several talk shows. He shared the Instagram video about being worthy of God’s love on March 8, on the day of his 48^th birthday. Sadly, he passed away about 11 months later, on February 11, 2026.

James Van Der Beek’s video about God’s love

In the short and unscripted video, Van Der Beek shares a heartfelt message about his struggle for identity while going through cancer treatment.

“When I was younger,” he says, “I used to define myself as an actor—which was never all that fulfilling. Then I became a husband—that was much better. Then I became a father—that was the ultimate.”

Stripped of identity

Van Der Beek went on to explain how facing cancer treatment had stripped him of these many identities, especially as his diminished health made it more difficult to care for his wife and six children.

“I was faced with the question: If I am just a too-skinny, weak guy alone in an apartment with cancer… what am I?” Van Der Beek said.

It’s a question that many people ask who are going through cancer, aging, or other long-term struggles. You go from someone healthy to being sick, and you find that cannot do many of the things you used to do.

This transition can wreak havoc on careers and especially relationships. Parents and spouses can find it difficult to care for others and instead need care themselves.

Worthy of God’s love

Van Der Beek went on to explain how he had found hope during cancer:

“I meditated—and the answer came through: I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist,” he said. “And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?”

While I’m not completely sure of Van Der Beek’s specific beliefs, I do know they were Christian-oriented, pointing toward a personal relationship with God, as some of his other posts and videos also affirmed.

Created in God’s image

Van Der Beek’s realization about the dignity and worth of every human being is well-supported by the Bible, as it is by many Christian writers.

Every person is created in the image of God, as Genesis 1:27 says.

The concept of being worthy of God’s love is also true. Because God loves all people, even before they respond to him, despite our failures and flaws. As John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

While human relationships are helpful, being loved by God is the only love that can satisfy our souls at the deepest level. As the philosopher Blaise Pascal said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.”

From being loved to a relationship

However, it’s not enough to just be loved by God—or to feel worthy of it. To fully experience his love and plan for your life, you must begin a relationship with him.

Imagine a king who loved a peasant woman. While she didn’t know him well, he knew her—her family, her likes, dislikes, weaknesses, and strengths. Despite her background, he loved her deeply and wanted good things for her and even to marry her and elevate her station in life. While she knew the king loved her, it wouldn’t mean much unless she accepted his love and they formed a relationship.

The same is true of us. We are loved deeply by a King—one whose love could bring so much beauty and goodness to our lives if we allow him to. But we must accept his offer of a relationship to experience this in an ongoing way—one that can give us an undefeatable hope.

Beginning the relationship

So where do you begin? The key is the second part of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”

God loves us, but there was a cost to pay: his son’s life. We humans are flawed and sinful, and our mistakes separate us from a holy God. Because Jesus died on the cross for our sins, we can take the next step: “Whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

You can begin this relationship right now by believing in Jesus and committing your life to God. The precise words you use are not important. He knows the intentions of your heart. If you are unsure of what to pray, this might help you put it into words:

“Jesus, I want to know you. I want you to come into my life. I accept your love and forgiveness. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin so that I could be fully accepted by you. Only you can give me the power to change and become the person you created me to be. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life with God. I give my life to you. Please do with it as you wish. Amen.”

If you sincerely asked Jesus into your life just now, then he has come into your life as he promised. You have begun a personal relationship with God.

Let this love continue to give you hope and healing today. Click on the links below for some helpful next steps.