When Jelly Roll talks about his faith, you stop and listen — because it doesn’t sound like a sermon. It sounds like the truth.
The “Son of a Sinner” artist has spent nearly two decades clawing his way out of darkness, and these days he’s not just celebrating success — he’s reflecting on the road that brought him here. In a recent podcast interview, Jelly Roll opened up about his evolving relationship with God, what forgiveness actually feels like, and why he believes love and empathy are finding their way back into modern Christianity.
He may not look like your typical faith leader, but Jelly Roll has become one of the most compelling voices of real-life redemption in country music today. And it’s not coming from a pulpit — it’s coming from lived experience.
“If Jesus really wants me to quit cussing, He’ll tell me,” Jelly said with a laugh.
“I’m back on my Bible right now. I’m reading again. It’s on my bus. If He tugs on my heart to do something else, I’ll do it. But I’m not faking it.”
That honesty is exactly why people connect with him. Jelly doesn’t claim perfection. He just shows up as he is — rough edges, scars, and all — and lets the music do the talking. That authenticity is also what made his collaboration with Brandon Lake, “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” resonate so deeply. The song earned a Grammy nomination and proved that faith and flaws don’t cancel each other out — they often tell the same story.
Some Christian listeners questioned Lake’s decision to work with Jelly Roll. Jelly sees that reaction as part of a larger shift happening inside the church.
“I think Christianity is back in love and empathy,” he said.
“It’s not standing on corners with megaphones anymore. It’s showing up with acts of kindness and service. Christians are showing up for people again.”
That shift matters to Jelly because he’s lived the other side of it — being judged for his tattoos, his criminal past, and his unfiltered lyrics. But despite the rejection, he never walked away from faith. He just lived it in a way that felt honest to him.
And that long road recently led to a moment of tangible redemption.
Last month, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee granted Jelly Roll a full pardon for his past felony convictions. The decision clears the way for international touring and opens doors Jelly hopes to use for service and outreach — possibly even missionary work.
“Forgiveness isn’t just an idea,” Jelly said.
“It’s something you feel when someone gives you a second chance. That’s what this pardon means to me.”
As his platform continues to grow, Jelly Roll is proving that the most powerful testimonies don’t come from spotless people. They come from those who’ve been through the fire and came back with something honest to say.
He may never release a traditional Christian album — and he might keep cussing while he’s at it — but don’t be fooled. Every time Jelly Roll opens his mouth, he delivers something that feels a whole lot like a sermon… just with more soul and more truth.
Because in his world, love and empathy aren’t talking points.
They’re lifelines.
And right now, they’re exactly what country music — and the world — needs most.
