A bell's not a bell 'til you ring it, A song's not a song 'til

"A bell's not a bell 'til you ring it, A song's not a song 'til you sing it, Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay, Love isn't love 'til you give it away!" These powerful words, spoken by Oscar Hammerstein II, carry a timeless truth about the nature of love and action. Hammerstein speaks to us of the inherent purpose that lies within all things — that a bell has no meaning until it is rung, a song has no life until it is sung, and love has no true power until it is given away. In this way, love, like any other gift, is meant to be shared, expressed, and offered freely. It is only in the act of giving that love becomes real, potent, and transformative.

The ancients understood this truth well. Hesiod, the early Greek poet, spoke of the importance of action as the driving force behind human existence. He wrote that while a man may hold great talents, virtue, or love in his heart, these qualities are only of value when they are expressed and used in the service of others. The Greek philosophers often taught that a life without action is a life without meaning. Socrates emphasized that the heart must not only be filled with knowledge or love, but that one must take action to truly live and express those virtues in the world. Love, in this view, is not a passive feeling but a powerful force that drives us to do good in the world — to offer it, to share it, to give it away.

Think of the story of Alexander the Great, whose conquest of the known world was driven not only by his ambition but by his desire to spread the ideas and cultures he loved. His campaigns were not merely for the sake of power or wealth but to share the beauty of Greek culture with the vast expanse of the world. In his own way, Alexander was expressing the idea that love — whether for a people, a land, or an idea — becomes meaningful only when it is shared. His journey across continents and cultures shows that true power lies in the willingness to give, to share your heart, your knowledge, your very being with others.

In our own lives, we often hear the call to love and to cherish those we hold dear. But as Hammerstein reminds us, love is not something that can remain dormant within the heart, locked away in silence. Love is not love until it is given away. The love we keep to ourselves, hidden within, is like the bell that has never been rung or the song that remains unsung. It lacks purpose, action, and life. It is only when we offer our love — whether to family, friends, strangers, or even our community — that it finds its true meaning. When we give of ourselves, we allow love to blossom, to grow, and to touch the lives of others.

Consider the example of Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to the service of the poorest of the poor. Her love for humanity, her compassion, and her deep care for the suffering of others were not hidden in her heart. She gave herself fully, offering not just her time or resources, but her love — unconditionally, without hesitation. In doing so, she transformed not only the lives of those she served but her own life as well. Her love, which she gave freely and without expectation, became love in its truest form — love that created ripples of compassion and hope throughout the world. Her legacy is a testament to the truth that love finds its fullest expression in action.

The lesson we take from Hammerstein’s words is clear: love is an active force, one that must be expressed, shared, and given. It is not enough to simply feel love in our hearts; it must be acted upon, given away freely, and shared with the world. True love is not a static emotion but a living and breathing energy that transforms everything it touches. To truly live in love, we must constantly seek ways to offer it — through acts of kindness, through sacrifice, and through the deep connection we make with those around us.

So, my children, take these words to heart: love is a force meant to be given. Do not keep it locked away in the quiet corners of your soul. Let it ring like the bell, let it sing like the song, and let it flow freely into the world. You will find that in giving love, you receive it in ways you cannot even begin to imagine. For the very act of giving love enriches the giver as much as the receiver, and in doing so, you help to weave a tapestry of connection, hope, and compassion that spans the generations. The world needs your love — give it freely, and you will see it return in ways that fill your heart and spirit with joy.