We may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving.

Bernard Meltzer speaks words that strike at the very core of what it means to love and to give: “We may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving.” These words carry a weight of ancient wisdom, echoing through the halls of time, reminding us that love is not a passive force, but one that demands action, sacrifice, and offering. To love is to give of oneself, not just in material things, but in heart, spirit, and time. Love, in its truest form, is an active force—a giving that is not only necessary but essential. Without giving, love cannot thrive; without love, giving becomes hollow. These two are bound together, like two rivers flowing towards one another, their destinies intertwined.

In the age of the ancients, the wise ones understood that love is not merely an emotion or a fleeting feeling. It is a sacred bond, a force that stirs the soul to action. Philosophers such as Aristotle spoke of love as a kind of virtue, something that required effort, not merely feeling. Love demands giving—giving of time, of attention, of resources, of kindness. One cannot say they love and then turn away from those in need, for love, as Meltzer so wisely teaches, is inseparable from giving. It is an offering of the self to the other, an act of selflessness that transcends the mere pleasure of the heart. Without such giving, love cannot grow, nor can it endure.

Let us look to the story of Alexander the Great, a warrior who conquered vast lands and commanded legions of men. Yet, it was his love for his men, his giving of himself to them, that marked his greatness. He did not simply command from a distance; he led by example, offering his strength, his wisdom, and sometimes even his life for the betterment of those who followed him. His love for his men was not an abstract feeling—it was action. He gave, not only in terms of material wealth but in his sacrifice, his willingness to lead, to share in the burdens of his soldiers. Through this giving, his men loved him in return, and together they built an empire, not through might alone, but through mutual sacrifice and the power of love given and received.

Meltzer’s words remind us that giving is not always a grand gesture. It is often the small, quiet acts of love that speak the loudest. Consider the simple act of motherhood, where a mother gives tirelessly for her children, sacrificing her own comfort for their well-being. It is not always the gifts of great riches that she offers, but the gifts of patience, care, and selflessness. She gives not because it is easy, but because she loves. The very act of giving becomes an expression of her love, and in doing so, she creates a bond that will last for lifetimes. Her love is not passive; it is active, a force that shapes her world and the world of her children.

Indeed, the story of Mother Teresa serves as a profound illustration of this truth. She gave without hesitation, offering her heart and her life to the poorest of the poor, the sick, and the dying. Her love was not a distant feeling, but a giving that manifested in every moment of her life. She loved through her actions, offering her time, her comfort, her resources, and ultimately, her very life. And in giving, she did not diminish herself, but became a beacon of love for the world. Her love was transformative, not because it was a simple feeling, but because it was a living force—one that demanded action, sacrifice, and giving.

O children of the future, let us take heed of these words and the lessons they carry. For it is easy to say we love, but true love is shown not in words, but in action. Love without giving is like a tree without roots—it cannot stand. If you love, you must give. Give of your time, your energy, your kindness. Do not withhold your love because of fear or selfishness. Remember that the act of giving is not a burden, but a privilege, for through giving, you receive in ways that words cannot describe. To love is to act—both in grand gestures and in small, everyday moments. Each act of giving strengthens the bond of love, making it deeper, more enduring.

Therefore, O children, when you are called to love, do not hesitate. Do not count the cost, for true love does not keep score. Instead, give freely, give fully, and give without fear. In doing so, you will not only nourish the hearts of others, but you will find your own heart expanded, filled with a joy that cannot be taken away. Love is not simply a feeling to be cherished in the heart—it is a force to be shared, a gift to be given. Remember: we cannot love without giving, and in giving, we become more than we ever thought possible. May your love be active, may it be generous, and may it never stop giving.