What is Charity:
As charity is known attitude of someone who works selflessly, in favor of others, without expecting anything in return. As such, it can be understood as synonymous with altruism, philanthropy, generosity or solidarity. The word comes from Latin caritas, caritātis.
In this sense, charity is applicable to the different solidarity actions through which support is provided to those who need it. Offering food and shelter to the homeless, providing clothing to victims of a natural disaster, donating a certain amount of money to charitable foundations, are all actions of charity.
The charity It is closely associated with the values advocated by the Christian religion., fundamentally that of love for one’s neighbor. However, charity is basically expressed in the willingness to help and support others, those most in need, without expecting reward.
In Englishcharity can be translated as charity. For example: “The charity provides practical help for homeless people” (charity offers practical help for homeless people).
Charity in the Bible
In the Bible, charity is described in the following way: “Charity is long-suffering, it is benign; charity does not envy, charity is not boastful, it is not conceited; He does not do anything improper, he does not seek his own, he is not irritated, he does not think evil; one does not rejoice in injustice, but one rejoices in the truth; He suffers all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
In this sense, charity is at the core of Christian morality and is based on love for God and neighbor. It is already present in the commandments of the law of God: “Love God above all things”, and in the preaching of Jesus Christ: “Love one another” (John: XIII: 34)
See also Theological virtues.
Charity in Christianity
In the Christian religion, charity is considered the most important of the three theological virtues, above faith and hope. As such, the object of charity is the love of God above all things, which also translates into love of neighbor. Charity requires the practice of good; It is selfless and generous, and provides the spirit with feelings of joy, peace and mercy.
Charity is fundamental for the life of the Christian because, as preached in the catechism of the Catholic Church, it contains the essence of Christianity and the teachings of Jesus Christ. In this sense, it is not possible to live a Christian life putting charity aside.