Actor Breaks Down Why God Must Be Both Just and Merciful

Published: July 14, 2026

By Movieguide® Staff

Kirk Cameron and his son James recently reflected on what makes God both just and merciful.

“When it comes to our sins, we have to have a true understanding of what sin is. We can find that sin has real consequences,” James said during an episode of “The Kirk Cameron Show” podcast. “We know that God is just. God is not a god that kind of just picks and chooses…who He punishes and doesn’t punish.”

Kirk joked, “If God is only just, you and I are toast.”

“And that is why I’m so grateful that God is not only a just god, but a merciful god,” James continued, reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice. “The amazing thing about God is that He gave His son, who was perfect and blemish-less, and had Him take on the sin of all of us upon Himself…He also accomplished mercy to the sinner in the same act.”

He stated, “God is not going to compromise His character by letting trespassers off scott-free, but He’s also not going to leave His children without hope.”

Kirk frequently shares his thoughts on faith online. In another episode of his show, he asked viewers to consider that their suffering “is actually part of God’s plan for your good.”

“We’re not called to control outcomes,” he explained. “We’re called to be faithful to God, even when obedience means suffering.”

He added, “Ask yourself this: can I adopt the attitude of Jesus? Remember, God is never wasting your suffering.”

The GROWING PAINS actor recently appeared on the “Adam Carolla Podcast” to speak about his decision to move his family out of California and into Tennessee.

“When you’re a kid in California it’s great because your parents are paying for everything,” Kirk laughed. “So, you go to the beach, you’re hanging out, you’re going snow skiing, you get to eat an In-N-Out burger, you get to get some hot dogs downtown in Hollywood. It’s great. You’re having a good time.”

He added, “But then, like my kids, they finally got out on their own, and they realized how expensive it is. They realize how terrible the politics are and all of the other things that make it difficult to raise a family there. And so all of a sudden it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, we got to move. We got to go somewhere where we can actually thrive and maybe even just survive.’”

While he shared he “hopes to come back” to California one day, Kirk praised Nashville’s people for their “good values,” creative community, and pride in our country.

The GROWING PAINS actor’s show is a way for him to connect with viewers around the world, sharing his thoughts on faith and scripture.

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