Yesterday at my women’s Bible study, we were reading through Luke 1 when something unexpected leaped off the page for me. As I read, I suddenly saw a connection between the names Theophilus—“Friend of God”—and Emmanuel—“God with us.” The insight filled me with excitement, but it also lingered long after the study ended, stirring deeper questions in my heart.

Later that night, unable to sleep, I picked up my Bible again and reread Luke 1. I wanted to understand why this connection was affecting me so profoundly. As I prayed and did a bit of research, I sensed what the Holy Spirit had been trying to highlight: through Christ—Emmanuel—I am invited to become a true friend of God.

But as I continued reading, another question surfaced. Why did the angel Gabriel respond so differently to Zechariah and Mary when their questions seemed so similar? Zechariah asked, “How can I be sure?” and Mary asked, “How can this be?” On the surface, both appear to be asking the same thing.

But the more I sat with it, the more I realized that Gabriel was responding not only to their words, but to the heart behind their words. One question came from doubt; the other from sincere curiosity. Gabriel gently explained the miracle to Mary, but he disciplined Zechariah. Perhaps the angel expected more faith from a priest—someone who had spent a lifetime immersed in God’s promises.

The conclusion I came to was simple but profound: our tone and motives matter. God sees not just what we say, but why we say it. We can hide our true intentions from people, but not from Him. And even with people—while they cannot see our hearts—they can still hear our tone.

So let me ask you, as I asked myself:

When you speak, what do others hear—doubt and fear, or faith and trust?

God bless you 🙏🏼

Iamsosasmama ❤️