For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
– Romans 6:23
“The wages of sin is death”
By trusting in Him, we receive what we could never earn ourselves.
Wages are what we earn or deserve for our actions.
Sin refers to disobedience against God, whether through actions, thoughts, or attitudes.
Death here means both physical death and spiritual separation from God. In other words, sin earns us separation from the source of life.
“But the gift of God is eternal life”
In contrast to wages (something earned), a gift is freely given, not deserved.
Eternal life means not only living forever, but living in perfect fellowship with God, beginning now and continuing beyond death.
“Through Jesus Christ our Lord”
This gift is only possible because of Jesus, His death on the cross paid the penalty of sin, and His resurrection opened the way to eternal life.
Represents God’s grace, a gift we cannot earn, wrapped in mercy and offered through Jesus. It’s the centerpiece of the verse: eternal life, freely given.
The Turtle
Symbolizes human frailty and slow progress. It carries the weight of life, moving cautiously, often burdened by sin or sorrow. Yet it rests atop the gift, not by merit, but by mercy. The turtle doesn’t climb or earn; it simply receives.
The White Ibis with Wings Raised
A symbol of praise, purity, and resurrection. The ibis lifts its wings in worship, rising above the wages of sin. Its posture declares: the gift has been received, and the soul rejoices. White, in biblical imagery, often reflects holiness and redemption.
The turtle shows our need. The gift box shows God’s provision. The ibis shows our response, worship and gratitude.
🙂 A Morning Blessing🙂
May your day be bright and right,
Let your light so shine, pure, not just polite.
Be care-full, not just careful,
Holding grace in every step,
& kindness in every breath.
Go forth as a gift unwrapped,
A turtle resting on mercy,
An ibis rising in praise.
"Only Life Changes" 