The Greeks had a word, charisma, meaning a gift, and a number of words from the same root, variously suggesting rejoicing, gladness. Latin had a similar word, carus, meaning dear, possibly connected with amor, 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.