Funny guy Jim Carrey is usually known for making people laugh. But he put all jokes aside when addressing a group of former gang members and prisoners. The actor/comedian opened up about his own struggles, and how God uses suffering for good. And his Christ-filled speech holds a powerful message we all need to hear!
Homeboy Industries is an LA-based rehabilitation center led by Rev. Gregory J. Boyle. The organization seeks to provide hope, training, and support to former gang members and inmates.
Homeboy Industries invited comedian Jim Carrey to speak with the group, and the actor delivered a surprisingly deep message of hope.
"I believe that this room is filled with God," Jim said right off the bat.
The actor went on, calling the members of the program his heroes. He explained that by walking through the doors of Homeboy Industries, they'd made a decision to "leave behind darkness." And with that decision, they'd won Jim Carrey's admiration.
From Suffering To Salvation
Jim Carrey has himself experienced some dark times. The actor's personal battles with depression are no secret. And now, he faces an accusation that he supplied drugs which led to his girlfriend’s suicide, although he denies these charges.
But all of these trials have taught Jim something -- a revelation he shared with the group.
"Ultimately, I believe that suffering leads to salvation. In fact, it's the only way...that we have to, somehow, accept, not deny, but feel our suffering and feel our losses," he said.
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Jim went on to talk about how suffering presents us with two options -- resentment or forgiveness. While resentment is a self-destructive path, Jim points out how forgiveness leads to grace.
"Your being here," he said to the members, "is an indication that you've made that decision already. You made the decision to walk through the gate of forgiveness -- to grace -- just as Christ did on the cross.
He suffered terribly and He was broken by it, to the point of doubt and a feeling of absolutely abandonment, which all of you have felt. Then there was a decision to be made. And the decision was to look upon the people who were causing that suffering with compassion and with forgiveness, and that's what opens the gates of heaven for all of us. I wish that for all of you. I wish that for myself.”
A Powerful Message
After delivering this heavy message, Jim seemed surprised by his own insight.
"Where'd that come from?" he joked.
Jim Carrey may not be a theological expert. But his powerful message about the hope, forgiveness and salvation offered through Jesus and the cross is awesome to hear. Our God can use anyone and anything to bring about restoration, and we pray Jim's words will inspire all who hear them.
WATCH: Hear Jim Carrey Give His Full Address
h/t: Christian Headlines
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