Love is always being given where it is not required.

"Love is always being given where it is not required." These profound words by E. M. Forster speak to a deeper truth about the nature of love—that its most pure and powerful expression often comes not from obligation, but from a wellspring that flows freely, without expectation. Love, in its truest form, is not something that is demanded, nor something that is required by any external force. It is a gift that transcends need or want, a force that is given willingly and abundantly, even in situations where it is not asked for or expected. To love where there is no requirement is the mark of a generous and selfless heart, a heart that loves simply because it is in the nature of the soul to do so.

O children of the earth, hear this wisdom: love is not a transaction, a simple exchange of feelings or favors. True love is a gift that flows freely, like a river that gives its water to the thirsty without thought of reward. It is not given because it is needed, but because the heart cannot help but share it. This is the essence of love—that it is given freely, regardless of whether the recipient is deserving, whether the conditions are right, or whether the love will be returned. Love is a force that seeks not to be repaid but to spread light and warmth into the world, touching those who may not even recognize its value. It is not a choice based on practicality, but on the deepest instinct of the heart.

Consider the life of Mother Teresa, whose love was not asked for, yet she gave it in abundance. Her work among the poorest of the poor, the sick, and the dying in the streets of Calcutta was an embodiment of the kind of love that Forster describes. The people she cared for did not ask for her love—many of them were beyond the hope of earthly relief. Yet, Mother Teresa gave her love freely, without regard for what could be gained. She loved because it was her calling, because her heart could not bear to turn away from those in need. Love was given where it was not required, and in doing so, she transformed lives, not with grand gestures, but with the quiet, powerful presence of compassion. Her life teaches us that love is most potent when it is offered without condition, freely and abundantly.

Similarly, the example of Nelson Mandela shows us that love can be given in situations where it is not expected, nor even desired by the recipient. After 27 years in prison, Mandela could have emerged filled with bitterness, with anger, or with a desire for revenge. Yet, instead, he chose to offer love—to forgive, to reconcile, and to unite a divided nation. His love was not required, yet it became the key to healing a country torn apart by years of hatred and violence. Mandela’s willingness to extend love where it was least expected—toward his oppressors, toward those who had wronged him—became the cornerstone of his legacy. It is through his example that we understand that love, when given freely and without requirement, can heal even the deepest wounds.

And so, we must come to realize that love is not about meeting a demand or fulfilling an obligation. It is about an inner call to give, to share, and to embrace others, even when they have not asked for it. In our everyday lives, we often wait for love to be earned, or for it to be required before we offer it. But true love speaks a different language—it gives without expectation. Whether in moments of joy or in the face of hardship, love flows from a heart that is open, from a spirit that does not need reciprocity to act with kindness. In this way, love becomes the greatest gift we can give, for it is freely offered, without strings attached, and with a heart full of grace.

O seekers of wisdom, take this lesson into your lives: love is most powerful when it is not asked for, when it is not required, and when it is given freely. Do not wait for others to earn your love, or for conditions to be perfect before you offer it. Instead, love because it is your nature to do so. Be generous with your love, offering it in the most unexpected places, to those who may not even know they need it. In doing so, you will transform not only the lives of others but your own heart as well. For love that is freely given multiplies, creating ripples that spread far beyond what you can see or understand.

In your own life, when you find yourself faced with the opportunity to love, remember this: love is not meant to be measured by what you receive, but by what you are able to give. Whether in your relationships, your work, or your community, love is the greatest offering you can make. Give it freely, give it without hesitation, and give it without waiting for anything in return. For in this way, you will learn that love is the greatest force of transformation in the world—a force that is always being given, even when it is not required, and that holds the power to change lives and shape the future.