• The importance of understanding biblical love, which is often misunderstood in modern context
• Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes himself as "slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness"
• The Hebrew word "hesed" used in Exodus 34, meaning loyal unfailing love, promise keeping love, and covenant faithfulness
• God's love being a combination of justice and mercy, including punishment for sin but also forgiveness and loyalty to his promises
• The distinction between feeling-based love and the deeper, stronger biblical concept of love as faithfulness and loyalty
• God's love is not an ethereal concept, but a powerful and real force that can be seen in concrete living.
• The Old Testament shows God's people repeatedly rejecting Him and turning away from His instruction, yet He remains faithful and full of love.
• This rejection serves as a backdrop for Jesus' coming to earth, where He reveals the fullness of God's loving character.
• The concept of incarnation is explained through the analogy of an aquarium owner trying to communicate with fish in their own language.
• Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are seen as the ultimate expression of God's love and faithfulness to humanity.
• The importance of understanding and demonstrating sacrificial, agape love
• God's love is shown through Jesus' voluntary sacrifice for his enemies
• Christians are called to mirror the love of Jesus in their actions and relationships
• Agape love breaks the cultural code of reciprocity and retaliation
• Living out agape love can be challenging, requiring prayer and the power of the Spirit
• Difficulty loving others from a distance
• Importance of showing physical, tangible love to demonstrate Christ's love
• Asking God for strength and creativity to show love in hard places
• Inviting God to make His love concrete in lives through prayer and action
• Reflecting Jesus' love through intentional actions during the holiday season