Sometimes quotes stick in my mind. I am not sure what sets this group apart from others. Could be these quotes fit my life or I agree with the insight. Sometimes I just think it sounds kind of cool.

I use quotes as place holders that can bring to mind a person, a thought, an idea or a memory I can call back up to savor for a while. Sometimes they make me feel good – sometimes not. But, much like the picture above, they all make me stop and see something in my world differently.

So here are some that come to mind:

“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.”  Jim Davis

“Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.” Charlie Brown

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde

“I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”  Martin Luther

“Grandma loves you–but Jesus loves you more.” Grandma Diane

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Author unknown

“Dogs come when they are called; cats take a message and get back to you later.”  Mary Bly

Quotes point me to many interesting and sometimes even useful aspects of life. They can aid me in looking at what I am doing and where I can change. But as I typed these quotes, one reminded me of what is most important. “Grandma loves you, but Jesus loves you more.”

Now it is not uncommon to hear the words that Jesus loves you. But if I am going to share that with someone else, I need to also point to proof beyond my own words. Quotes are only as true as their source. Since I am a sinful, fallible human, why should I or anyone else believe that Jesus loves me or anyone else, especially if I speak those words?

So I remember another quote, one that carries a lot more weight since it was God who shared this through his Word, the Bible. In Romans 5:6-8 I find the quote,”You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus’ payment for my sins through his death on the cross had nothing to do with me. I was powerless and sinful. I deserved nothing and as my sins continue to mount I still have no claim on Jesus’ love. But I know it is there. He died for me and all people. There is nothing I have to do or say or change to make the statement “Jesus love me” true. The Holy Spirit takes care of the faith. All I do is believe through that faith.

I like quotes–all different kinds of quotes. They are easy to remember and are useful at times for me. Their truths can change over time. But the quote I need to remember, and I know it will always be true no matter what happens, is “Jesus love me.” That assures me I will never be alone here on earth. His love compelled him to die to earn forgiveness for all of my sins.

Three words–so simple but the most important quote anyone could ever hear and believe.

Come on back some time. I will wait you.