How would you decribe a truly charitable person?

Question

I have seen that being charitable is a quality but have a doubt about it as many people are charitable just to satisfy their ego.

That is, they think they are better than others, that if they don't give help no one else will, or they just focus on helping others without noticing or changing the defects in their personality.

So taking all that aside, how would you describe a truly charitable person? What do you think it would make that person charitable and what would be the motive behind that person helping others?

Answer 1

I have seen a truly charitable person.  To me, it is the person who gives without expectation of anything in return.  They give because they see a need and want to help in some way.  

Answer 2

When I see or hear about celebrities involved in charity I question their motives. Sure they have the money to give. They're using it as a tax deduction I bet. My first thought is they must be doing it for publicity.

True charity is a selfless act done from the compassion of one's heart. When you see a need and can meet it even in some small way, not worrying about the consequences or who will see you (or won't), you're giving of your heart because you're a human who cares about human needs. If your motive is to bless others, to bring some happiness, help, hope, or comfort, even if the effect is short-lived, you feel the warm glow of feeling good for helping someone else.

Answer 3

someone who gives without thinking of himself-who puts others first and himself last

Answer 4

These are all excellent answers, when I think of a truly charitable person, Mother Teresa comes to mind.

At the time of her death, Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity had over 4,000 sisters, an associated brotherhood of 300 members, and over 100,000 lay volunteers, operating 610 missions in 123 countries. These included hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, soup kitchens, children's and family counseling programs, orphanages, and schools.To me she was a truly charitable person.....motivation....need.

thank you