Bear Grylls, the adventurer and TV personality known around the world, has often spoken about how his Christian faith has shaped and sustained him. He doesn’t just talk about it in passing; he encourages others to turn to Christ in their own lives.
In a recent column for the New York Times, Grylls, now 50, reflected on how his faith began when he was a teenager. He remembered hearing a visiting vicar say, “Jesus Christ came to kill religion and bring life.” That idea struck him. Religion, he thought, often felt tied to conflict and rules, but Jesus seemed entirely different—someone who embodied peace, kindness, sacrifice, and freedom.
That moment pushed him to learn more. As he read about Jesus, he noticed a consistent pattern. Every person Jesus encountered was changed, whether they were rich or poor, respected or overlooked. For Grylls, this showed that faith in Christ brings transformation from the inside out. He compared it to tasting ice cream or learning to swim you only understand it when you actually experience it.
Over the years, his faith has been a source of strength in times of struggle. Grylls has admitted there were seasons when he tried to go it alone, relying only on himself. But those attempts left him restless and empty. He realized he needed the peace and security that only Jesus could provide.
To others searching for meaning, his advice is simple: “Be brave. Bend the knee. Ask for help.” He calls it a humble act, one that costs nothing but offers everything.
This message isn’t new for Grylls. Back in 2019, he published Soul Fuel, a 365-day devotional filled with stories from his expeditions and reflections on how faith gave him courage and direction. In a 2024 interview with The Christian Post, he described Christ as “a light to a dark path and strength to a failing body,” making clear that his faith is not just a weekly ritual but something he depends on every day.
His commitment has also been personal and practical. Last year, Grylls stood with his friend Russell Brand during his baptism in the River Thames, supporting him in that defining step of faith. Moments like that, both public and private, reveal how central his relationship with Jesus really is.