Joel Osteen

“If we're going to bring out the best in people, we, too, need to sow seeds of encouragement.”

“You cannot let where you are today cause you to get stuck. I'm going to be my best right now. That's what faith is all about.”

“The truth is, somebody is always talking about you, so you have to let it go... if it's not a part of your God-given destiny.”

“Salvation and Christ's love is a gift. You don't earn it. You've got to receive that gift.”

“It seems like when I was growing up there was more compromise, wanting to work with each other, and I think all of them - all of the lawmakers - have hearts to do what's right, and they all are passionate about it.”

“I don't like to beat people down. They need to be lifted up.”

“When you give up yourself, that's when you will feel the true spirit of Christmas. And that's giving that's serving others and that's when you feel fulfilled.”

“Whether a person is straight or gay, Republican, Democrat, good person, not a good person, they're all welcome, because to me, church is a place you're supposed to get healed and whole and loved.”

“I like to think my dad was easygoing and kind, and I think some of those things have been passed down. I am like him in a sense of being positive and hopeful. He was compassionate, and I've got a lot of that in me as well.”

“We need to show mercy. I mean, because as much mercy as you show people, that's the mercy you're going to be receiving.”

“If you give, you will be blessed.”

“I don't want to just preach to the church. I feel like I have a broader message.”

“We live in a culture that relishes tearing others down. It's ultimately more fulfilling, though, to help people reach their goals. Instead of feeling jealous, remember: If God did it for them, He can do it for you.”

“A lot of preachers' kids are some of the most rebellious kids in the world. I never was like that.”

“I believe God gives you the grace to do what you need to do.”

“I'm healthy as can be - not an ache or a pain. A lot of my prayer is thanking the Lord that I am healthy. I pray for long life and good health.”

“Gays are some of the nicest, kindest, most loving people in the world.”

“I think how you start the day many times determines what kind of day you're going to have.”

“You are victors, not victims!”

“One of the main reasons that we lose our enthusiasm in life is because we become ungrateful..we let what was once a miracle become common to us. We get so accustomed to his goodness it becomes a routine..”