A question which has echoed through the years — answered!

Warren Davis, George Malone and Charles Patrick, part of “The Monotones,” in 1957 recorded a song they had written. Their song asked a question, “Who Wrote the Book of Love?” Also called “Book of Love,” the doo-wop song would be a hit and is still familiar to many in 2025.
With so much said, sung, written and recorded, the idea and curiosity about love might lead us to ask the same question. Who did write the book of love?
Not just a definition, description, discussion or debate about some emotional reaction or passing excitement or enthusiasm about something or someone, but an actual affection that would prompt commitment and dedication for the wellbeing of someone or something that goes beyond one’s own comfort, convenience or personal benefit, and that may, unfortunately, not always be reciprocated.
There is a source that speaks of that type of love. In the New Testament of the Bible, found in 1 John 4:16, “GOD Is Love.” In 1 John 4:10, as in John 3:16, it is recorded that love is not GOD’S response to something humanity has done, but it is GOD reaching out to initiate a relationship with those created in HIS image and demonstrating HIS love by sending HIS SON to offer a relationship through possible reconciliation.
In Romans 5:8, the Bible describes that humanity is the object of GOD’S attention and affection, even in its most unlovable condition. Brennan Manning described love this way, “GOD loves us as we are and not as we should be, for none of us is as we should be.”
One of my favorite passages on the subject of GOD and love is found in the Old Testament where Moses is being given the motivation for the love GOD has toward HIS people. Deuteronomy 7:8 states, “But because the LORD loves you and because HE would keep the oath which HE swore to your fathers.”
Not the size of the population or their impressive power or strength, but because HE chose to do so. A matter of will and intent, GOD loves humanity because... He chooses to.
I, for one, am glad I have not had to deserve, earn or achieve such grand charity and benevolence, but it is the choice of GOD. There is much more that could be

said, but at this point, I am satisfied I have found the answer to the question echoed through the years.
As the simple song we teach our children says, “JESUS loves me, this I know, for The Bible tells me so.” GOD is the author of the book of love, and it is written for each of us.

(Editor’s Note: Jeff Fleming is the preacher for Barnesville FWB Church on Highway 19 near the Byrd community. He was asked to contribute a column during the month of February using the topic of love, and we feel he did a fantastic job. Jeff notes everyone is always welcome to come and attend services at Barnesville FWB Church at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sundays.)