It is one of the three basic guiding principals taught to Freemasons which are: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Relief is the word Freemasons use for charity. To the Freemason relief (charity) is not just putting money in a collection plate - it is much more than that. Charity in its widest sense is about relationships between people, how they treat each other, the need to respect one another and tolerance of the differences between people. Practical assistance such as giving money is important but it is a charitable attitude which is paramount and it is this that Freemasons are taught in their Lodges.