CHARITY
The Greeks had a word, charisma, meaning a gift, and a number of words
from the same root, variously suggesting rejoicing, gladness. The Latin's had a similar word, carus, and meaning dear, possibly connected with am or, signifying love. From these roots came"grace," meaning a free, unbought gift, as in the theological phrase, "the grace of God," and "charity." Strictly speaking, charity is an act done freely, and spontaneously out of friendship, not as a civic duty and grudgingly, as is sometimes the case in public charity. The Masonic use of the word is much nearer this original sense, for a Mason extends relief to a needy brother not as a duty but out of friendship.
- Source: 100 Words in Masonry
