What does the word 'charity' signify to you?

Answer 1

Charity is the opposite of justice. Hold on... don't thumbs-down me yet! Let me explain...

By definition, charity is 'selfless love'. It manifests in a number of ways. Most commonly, it is seen in the form of helping other people who need the help. Why would someone do something like that? Because they care about other people - even those they may not know. It's not about the giver. It's about the recipient.

Justice is about doing exactly what is fair. The unfortunate had a tough break, but then they ran the same chances that most of us do. Is it fair to give help to someone JUST because they're unfortunate? That's like distributing aid randomly. It's not even vaguely fair.

Now I'm not saying that justice is a bad thing nor that charity is a bad thing. In this regard, I'm much more Aristotlean. If we had a system of strict and unyielding justice, someone who broke into a house to save someone's life would be charged with a crime. If we had a system of strict and unyielding charity, nobody would be charged with any crime whatsoever. Obviously a balance is much more desirable.

If you love SOME people selflessly, they will abuse and destroy it. On the other hand, the right kind of charity can provide returns a hundredfold. They are BOTH good. But not exclusively.

Answer 2

When the word for love was used in the King James Bible, it was called charity. In more modern versions, it has to do with love for others.

Answer 3

Love. In Scripture the Greek word agape is sometimes translated charity, but more often love. It implies a sacrificial love...a love that giving and unselfish.

Answer 4

Giving money to the poor. Oxfam. Those are the first things in my head. But past that - helping people less fortunate in any way, really.

Answer 5

Willingness to give of yourself, or willingness to share some material thing, perhaps to give a donation to a worthy cause or group. One example of a worthy cause or group would be a food bank or homeless shelter. Generosity in general.


God Bless You

Answer 6

I let the example from the Bible answer for me.

On several occasions Jesus encouraged his disciples to “give gifts of mercy,” or as other translations render the phrase, to “give in charity” or “give to charity.” (Luke 12:33; New English Bible; A Translation in the Language of the People, by Charles B. Williams) Jesus cautioned, however, against showy displays that were intended merely to glorify the giver rather than God. “When you go making gifts of mercy,” he said, “do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, just as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be glorified by men.” (Matthew 6:1-4) Applying this admonition, early Christians avoided the showy spectacles of the pious religious elite in their day and chose to help those in need by rendering personal services or making private gifts.

At Luke 8:1-3, for example, we are told that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others used “their belongings” in quietly ministering to Jesus and his apostles. Although these men were not destitute, they had abandoned their means of livelihood to focus their efforts exclusively on the ministry. (Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:27, 28) By helping them to complete their God-given assignment, these women, in effect, glorified God. And God showed his appreciation by preserving a record of their merciful generosity in the Bible for all future generations to read.—Proverbs 19:17; Hebrews 6:10.

Dorcas was another kind woman who “abounded in good deeds and gifts of mercy.” She made clothes for needy widows in her seaside town of Joppa. Whether she paid for all the materials herself or simply donated her labor, we do not know. Nonetheless, her good work endeared her to those she could help, as well as to God, who mercifully blessed her goodwill.—Acts 9:36-41.

What motivated these individuals to give? It was more than a compassionate impulse triggered by an emotional appeal for help. They felt a personal moral responsibility to do what they could each day to help those experiencing poverty, adversity, illness, or other difficulties. (Proverbs 3:27, 28; James 2:15, 16) This is the kind of giving that pleases God. It is primarily motivated by a deep love for God and a desire to imitate his merciful and generous personality.—Matthew 5:44, 45; James 1:17.

The apostle John highlighted this vital aspect of giving when he asked: “Whoever has this world’s means for supporting life and beholds his brother having need and yet shuts the door of his tender compassions upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him?” (1 John 3:17) The answer is obvious. The love of God moves people to be charitable. God appreciates and rewards those who, like him, show a generous spirit. (Proverbs 22:9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)

When it comes to organized charity, though, we need to be cautious as we evaluate the many appeals we receive. Some charities have high administrative or fund-raising costs, leaving only a small portion of the collected money for the intended purpose. Proverbs 14:15 says: “Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps.” So it is the course of wisdom to examine the facts carefully.

Answer 7

it means "agape" - the unconditional goodwill to others, it means putting others before yourself, serving others with whatever gifts you have and with what means you avail, be it time, money, work skills etc. chairity is a work done from the heart without expectation of recompense in any form or fashion and a work done to glorify God and not ones self self

Answer 8

Love.

Answer 9

I Corin. 13

Answer 10

Having compassion on someone in need and giving whatever you can. In a sense, value them as you would yourself.