2006-11-10 17:50:15 · 6 answers · asked by DONALD B 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
do you want to know what it means now, or what it used to mean?
2006-11-10 17:53:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Originally it meant "love." Then it meant "giving freely to others voluntarily out of love." Then it got a sad meaning: "giving freely to others and being mad about it because of a motive other than love." For example, wanting to "look good," or fit in with a certain group. The problem with it, when it has that meaning, is that it's degrading to the person who receives it, because it's not sincere. Now when you hear that word you have to study the person who said it to find out what they meant, and then decide which is more important to you: not to be humiliated, or to have the thing that they're offering. I'd say, take it if you need it, with a grateful heart. Later, when you have enough, share with others out of true love, not phony "charity."
2006-11-11 06:32:38 · answer #2 · answered by shirleykins 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Charity is an act of giving. Performing generous actions (volunteering) and/or donating to people in need, charitable organizations, etc.
2006-11-11 02:02:06 · answer #3 · answered by Natalie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love of humanity, to be a humanitarian, you have to serve and love other people, help them of their needs esp. the needy ones
and the indigents. That's charity...
2006-11-11 02:09:00 · answer #4 · answered by dodadz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ahhh, if you're wondering what the word charity means...it means love....its in the Bible if you ever wanna check it out (somewhere in the New Testament)...or dictionary.com...that'll help....:)
2006-11-11 02:01:00 · answer #5 · answered by Ndomupei 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I looked it up for you so here is the link. I hope it helps
http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/charity.html
2006-11-11 05:22:45 · answer #6 · answered by THE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋