People sometimes ask whether it is optional or mandatory to give to God. Is giving to the church a nice thing to do or is it an obligation for all Christ followers? In the context of the New Testament, Jesus and Paul's teachings on radically generous giving focus on the Christ-gift that was lavished upon unworthy sinners, and our call to generous giving is framed as an appropriate response to the Christ-gift. Understanding the Roman patronage system helps us to appreciate God's word in the proper New Testament context, and we see that a gift was intended to create a strong bond of relationship. The modern idea of gifts being given freely without expectations of reciprocity or without obligating the recipient of the gift would have been viewed as strange and inappropriate for the original readers and hearers of the New Testament. In light of this cultural context, God's word teaches us that we have been set free from Sin and Death so that we could enter into a strong bond of relationship with the amazing God that saved us. He has set us free so that we could be bound to righteousness--so that our life could be in Christ. Praise and honour be to God who gave us the most costly and precious gift of his Son Jesus, our Saviour and Lord! May we participate in the joyful obligation to honour him with our gifts and service to our King. May we have the privilege and God's divine favour to participate in radically generous giving.