One of my pet peeves is how some Christians use “God Bless you” as a sort of greeting and salutation. This is how the conversations often go:
Christian: Hey, Jeremy! God bless you!
[We talk about something…]
Me: Well, I gotta run.
Christian: Okay! God bless you!
Me: Uhh. Yeah. Thanks.
I know. I know. They want me to say, “God bless you” back. But I don’t do that. (I might say “Bless you” after someone sneezes, but that is something I learned from my wife… which I heard goes back to some old wive’s tale about losing part of your brain when you sneeze…)
How Do You Respond When People say “God Bless You”?
When someone says, “God bless you,” what I want to say is: “He has. And He’s blessed you too. So let’s stop talking like religious nuts and have a conversation like normal people.”
I mean look, if you only say God bless you because you want someone to say God bless you back, is that really going to be much of a blessing for either of us?
Also, can we really call down the blessing of God upon our lives by appending every conversation with the words “God bless you”?
I always wonder if men who say this greet their wife and kids the same way when they leave for work or get home in the evening. “I’m leaving for work! God bless you!” or “Honey, I’m home! God bless you!” I really doubt it. But then, since I’m not a “God bless you” sayer, I don’t really know what happens in “God bless you” homes.
God Bless You and Other Christian Lingo
Worse yet are the conversations that not only begin and end with “God bless you” statements, but are also full of statements like, “What a blessing! …An answer to prayer! …God is so good. …That just blesses my heart. …Oh, bless your soul! …Praise Jesus! …Amen!”
I am not much of a conversationalist, but my conversations with people like this usually end much quicker than normal. I have written about this before in a post called “This Video Really Spoke to My Heart.”
Maybe this is just the “overcritical me” coming out to snarl at the super-spiritual Christians again. If so, I’m sorry.
But what about you? Do you say, “God bless you”? Why or why not? Am I making too much of this? (Probably so)
I don’t say it, and I find it awkward for the same reasons when people say it to me and expect the sentiment returned to them. Especially when it’s a customer at my day job. But then I guess that’s where I hear it the most, seeing as I’m not very social outside of work. LOL.
I find that if I want to bless someone at work, there are a lot of ways to do it other than saying, “God bless you.”
I say God bless you mostly at the end of something I wrote to one of my brethren but I don’t do it because I want someone to say God bless you also. I guess with me it is just a practice or habit. I never looked at it in the slant at which you view it before though.
What about Christians who say “God Bless You” to a nonbeliever? That annoys me. Is it improper for a Christian to do that?
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:10-11 King James Version)
Hello and thank you for this chapter and verse. My wife and I were discussing this and I am bad about saying God Bless. Not anymore unless I know for a fact they are a Christian. This helped me to find what I was looking for thank you it is appreciated…
Steve
This verse of scripture is referring to the teachings of Christ as Redeemer, Lord, only way to God and salvation. His teachings of fallen man in relationship to a Holy God.
Not reminding a person that all blessings come from God.
2 John 1:10-11 is why I don’t say it either.
its just someone saying what they are used to, if you fell offended just tell them not to say it near them.
Yeh, I don’t say it back to them, but I say thank you. Most people that say it to me don’t know I don’t believe in what they believe in. So I take it as a complement without correcting them because, I don’t know how to tell them they don’t have to say “God Bless You” to me, without sounding rude.
Talk is cheap so it is easier to “say” bless you than to be a blessing to your life by giving or showing kindness. They are no better to their Christian brothers and sisters.
When someone says, “God bless you” to me, I simply say, “Thank you.”
Some words are better left unsaid.. I feel that someone can be a blessing in your life..God does bless us and I don’t care if someone tells me God Bleas You, because He does everyday.
Yep. I say, “Dios te bendiga” to friends and neighbors in Mexico when I’m on my way out the door. I am not soliciting a response…I am offering a blessing…and a simple reminder that God is with us.
This is a sad post. May God bless you and may you experience life a little more, so you could have a less trivial pet peeve.
I totally agree. The author of this post is being too judgmental and please remember that we are told to judge not. Frankly, I would rather hear someone end a conversation with “God bless you” rather than “take care”. It shows that they really care and are hoping for God’s best for me and just want me to know that.
You say people care for you when they say God bless you….. I totally disagree….as most people say it…… Without thinking too much…..just like when people say f**k off…… There not a lot of thinking behind it…
careful what you speak out of your mouth because you speak it into existence so why not say God bless you!! Do a study about what happens to your heart when you sneeze, it stops beating!! So if you are still living after you sneeze God just blessed you to live again.
God bless, yes you thinking too hard about this. Im not asking you to say it back. I just want to say it to you.
Beautifully said Sharon. When someone say those words to me I smile and say thank you and same to you. I would rather hear God bless you rather those hateful words.
I felt God bless you quite hurting as it reminds me of all those people who go to such length to preach to me, cannot take no as an answer and hurt me saying that I am pathetic for not believing in God when I explained point on point why I am unable to believe in God. I do not want God to bless me if he is sending people out to hurt others whenever we cannot believe in him.
big difference between discernment and judging we are to discern.
Amen to all you said!!! I could not have said it better!!! God bless you as you serve Him in your life and aeek His will!!!
Amen!
“Re: The Great Blessing of Numbers chapter 6, I believe that there is a definite reason why these words (when read or said) provide such joy, comfort and peace. The listener is experiencing the very power of The Word of God. Note that the LORD does not command the priests to bless the people with their own words, but rather provides the exact formulation for the blessing. This reveals that the blessing is from the LORD Himself. The priests are but the means for transmitting His grace. ”
Excerpt From: Mike Stair. “The World’s Favorite Bible Verses.” MS Peabooks, 2013. iBooks. https://itun.es/us/8lbRJ.n
I agree that these words provide joy, comfort and peace to most if not all of us. However this could be “feel good” rather than the real McCoy. The priests were required to represent God in the OT/Numbers, and bless the people, give them instructions, facilitate forgiveness through animal sacrifice etc. But in the NT “it is finished” and people must be discipled to appropriate the grace and blessings through faith. Else, one might like to sneeze just to hear a God Bless you (!) one would consider it more “blessed” /prefer to hear it from a Priest or even a Bishop etc.
I typically will say you don’t have the authority.
Excellent!
I think for a person to day” “God bless you” Is very thoughtful, I choose to bless others rather than say, God curse you, we live in a society where there is so much hate, why not just bless each other when ever we can, even strangers, it may put a smile on someone face that has lost hope in God and people.. feel free to say, God bless you to me at anytime..
God Bless You All,
I usually say God bless you when I wish someone a Happy Birthday! I never want them to say it back to me! I think you are being very judgemental about this subject! Why does it bother you so much? Are you a Christian? Maybe not? I guess you wouldn’t understand that maybe when we as Christians say it, we mean it from our hearts! Only God knows our hearts! Please don’t let it bother you so much! Try to examine your own heart and ask yourself the question “why do these words bother me so much? Wouldn’t I like God’s blessing on me? People don’t usually say God bless you to get you to say God bless you back to them.
@WilmaYager- Well said. I couldn’t agree more. The fact that mentioning God offends someone only proves the real power in it from the Holy Spirit when said from the heart and not used as some sort of gimmick. Would the words “Buddha bless you” cause the same reaction? I doubt it!
Thankyou & bless you all. I found this thread both informitive and enlightning.
I googled this subject, as it was recently siad to me, by someone who no longer wishes to comunicate with me. And found the context a bit confusing..but like a few before me, im probably over thinking.
Thanks again, i enjoyed all the comments 😇
LOL – I will stand clear i don’t want to get too close, I might knock off that chip on your shoulder…smiles.
Ha! Well, yes, I think the tone of this post is not as inquisitive as I meant it to be. I am trying to ask a question about why people say “God Bless you” (or don’t). Definitely wasn’t intending to sound holier-than-thou.
People say GOD BLESS you. Because true Christians really mean it!:)
Yes, and I say it too sometimes. I just think some Christians say this so often, it make them sound like they are trying to appear righteous and pious before others.
“…. trying to appear righteous and pious before others”
Bull’s eye!!!
Yes, Christianese lexicons are kinda irritating for me….
Mmmm, but these become my major difficulty to read the Bible….
Because there are many Christianese lexicons in the Bible!!!
For example: I can’t stop thinking Apostle Paul is a holier-than-thou disciple of God!!!
What is “heart of flesh”? What did he mean with “present your bodies a living sacrifice”?
Why did he not write his letters in plain sense?
Many of these terms would have made sense to the people in those days. But because we are separated by 2000 years, and culture, and language, we don’t understand some of it. It would be like if you tried reading Plato or Aristotle. Much you would understand; some you would not.
We can bridge the camp through some cultural and historical background studies.
I live in the United States where it’s politically incorrect to appear ‘righteous and pious.’ Any religious expression at all…it’s more likely that will mean you’ll get laughed, snickered at, or just an eye roll is more likely than being thought more highly of because of piety. In fact, if anything, I’d admire their courage for being proud of their faith despite the fact they’re more likely to lose social status points than gain them.
I live in the Unites States also and find the opposite to be true. People mock those who think that Christianity is all about saying certain words, carrying big Bibles, and wearing Christian t-shirts, while doing little to tangibly help people around us. They should know we are Christians by our love, not by the words that come out of our mouth.
Where do you live that I may move there? I think you read somewhere Seattle? Not that way in the midwest. Generally, I don’t bring politics or religion up, someone else has to broached the topic. Sure, people mock people for the reasons you mentioned, but it’s not limited to that at all. Sometimes all it takes is the mere mention of judeo-christian topics in the public arena. A few University classes, I’ve been given lower grades for my christian views. Also been laughed at for considering the Bible as reliable history(it was a University Canonicity class and they asked my opinion, so I answered). My christian friends and acquaintances, they’ve had similar experiences. We typically don’t carry any bible since we have apps now that take care of that. Don’t wear christian shirts. We do engage in ministry(churches I’ve been involved with if you aren’t involved in ministry, you are ostracized). Of course I’m not sure how someone is going to know one way or another whether someone is involved in ministry unless they were close friends or involved in that ministry.
You wrote:
They should know we are Christians by our love, not by the words that come out of our mouth.
I don’t know that I would agree that speaking the truth in love is a bad thing. I think Paul said something about that. I would tend to agree with him. I think both are important.
I think saying “God Bless You”is okay, but don’t assume everyone is a believer. That’s like me saying “Merry Christmas” to everyone. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. But I think some people think that the majority of people believe in God. I take it as a complement that you care about me…so I don’t say anything, but saying “Have a Good day” still makes me feel good.
But, is it possible to have a genuine conversation with a person and not feel as though when they say, God Bless You that you are supposed to say it back? I can barely have a mothwr daughter conversation without my mother starting and ending with God Bless You. Sometimes a simple good morning, how are you is what I want to converse with her. Besides I am fully aware of how Blessed I am, as a child of God there is that deep understanding and belief that I exist and and receive my gifts due to being blessed.
I feel like I tested ‘Love as a universal language’ and ‘the body does not lie’ and bless you is okay. I also suspect as extreme as ‘your higher power just blessed you’ after a sneeze is what “God bless you” after a sneeze intended.
Saying bless you has only recently started presenting itself in my life and it is (I think) encouraging and uplifting and can be enlightening and empowering but not entirely by itself. Therefore only those that do not believe in a higher power at all will take offense. I could be wrong I do believe in a higher power and in love as the universal language (for lack of a better phrase of words, although it might be more universal today to say sex is the universal language) and in this post just now realized I have to change my 100% enabler label to 99% based on the higher power belief.
GOD said that when others curse you that we should bless them. I saw Ted Cruz walking through an airport being cursed by some woman and he just looked at her and said “GOD bless”
Only the Lord and ourselves know our true motives and intentions. This particular topic on your page really bothered me, especially coming from a follower of Christ. I love the Lord. I am a sinner. I make mistakes and I am in no way judging you as a child of God. I just wanted to share my honest feelings about the things that you said. For me, saying God bless you is nothing more than acknowledging the Lord and His limitless power to bless….OR curse. When I say God bless you, it is virtually a lifting of prayer to the Lord over that person for me personally. I make the plea, asking for the blessing, but God alone chooses whom He will bless. I don’t used coined “spiritual” phrases to everyone I meet, but it is special to me for someone….anyone…..even a stranger to sincerely ask God’s blessing on my life. Now, back to motives. Their motive may be not be pure, but I’m not God and cannot make that call, but to assume that everyone who wears a T shirt with scripture or the mention of Jesus, anyone that may be carrying a Bible, or using language from the Bible are somehow “hyper- I forgot the exact term you used, is very critical and even petty in my opinion. Christians have been hammered with political correctness. We have been indoctrinated to believe that we to be true Christians, we must embrace ALL things, all beliefs, so as not to “offend” anyone. PC has literally shut the mouths of Christians. There will always be sheep and their will always be those posing as sheep, but please don’t assume that I am a “hyper” or fanatical Jesus freak because I love the Lord and ask His blessings on them. I commonly say, “What a blessing,” or “what a beautiful gift from the Lord,” and many other references to the One who gave it all for me. All blessings are from God, and we should pray those blessings over ALL…..not just those like us. Jesus gave His all, His life to cover my sin and the sin of anyone who makes Him Lord of their lives. How in the world can a Christian never mention God’s great blessings in their lives in public?? It is all about our hearts individually, and not to be disrespectful, what you may believe about me is of no consequence. My value is in Christ alone and I will share that, too, if I feel led. Man, I’m feeling like a real Jesus freak, but hey, that’s OK because He knows my every thought and motive. One more thing. As Christians, we are called to always raise, lift up, edify one another, never even hedging on shaming anyone on how they choose to carry out their walk with the Lord. That is the Lord’s domain. Now, if you were rebuking a sinful act, that would be a different story. Even then, we are called to share the Lord’s word from a place of love…..never shame. This is what bothered me about this post. Some of our personal quirks, if not Biblical, should be left between the Lord and ourselves, so that we never become a snare to unbelievers. If the Lord truly is our first priority, the gates of hell will never shut our mouths about what the Lord had done for us. Thank you for listening.
Amen -Perfectly said!! Amen !
Love to you!!
In most contexts these religious sayings are probably meaningless and insincere. “God bless you” is sort of a religious substitute for hello, goodbye, and how are you? .
We regularly spend time with the homeless, and usually take water, food and other items with us. We try to spend time with them, listen to their stories, find out their needs and so on. Distributing things to them is not our primary purpose for visiting them, just as taking a bouquet or bottle of wine is not most people’s primary purpose when visiting a friend.
The homeless, even those who have never met us previously, regularly say “God bless you” when we leave. I understand that for some of them they’re doing what they think is expected of them when someone visits and brings something for them. However, there is often more to it than that.
Some say “God bless you for coming down and spending time with us. Thank you for remembering us and caring about us.” Almost every time we go, there are a few who explain that something we gave them was exactly what they needed, had been unable to get through the usual places they get things (such as the size of pants they need, shoes in their size, underwear or whatever), and sometimes had prayed for that very morning.
Last week we approached a man and woman who were sitting on the sidewalk. Their heads were down. I assumed they were dozing. I waited a few seconds and asked “Do you need water/” They raised their heads and said they did. Then I asked if they needed heavy long sleeve shirts for the cold nights. They stared at me, and after a strange silence asked what sizes I had. I had exactly their sizes.
After they had put on the warm shirts I had given them, the man spoke. “We’ve been out here since yesterday, but weren’t prepared for the cold night. We asked some of the other homeless this morning where we could get some warmer clothes, and they told us we’d have to wait until tomorrow because there’s no place to get them on Sunday. We’re believers, so we decided to pray and ask God to help us out. While we were praying you walked up with exactly what we needed, plus water, a sandwich and fruit. God is good. God bless you.”
That’s a condensed version of our conversation. Conversations like those, however, have helped me not ignore the “God bless you” comments I often hear.
Sam, Right. I agree. I think in most contexts, it is little more than a religious greeting. I shouldn’t read too much into it.
I think that given the situation in which someone said “God bless you” is exactly the right time, place, and context. You blessed them tangibly, and they blessed you in return, which in that context, means, “Thank you. You were God’s blessing to me, and I hope He blesses you in return.”
God bless you both because I am teary eyed from Sam’s homeless ministry and Jeremy’s search for an answer to God bless you response. I always felt it an express of good will to the giver and receiver. God bless you both for sharing your experience, knowledge and thoughts.
Well said, Cathy. I agree. It was a perfect exchange (between Sam & Jeremy). Both points of view were made and made very well.
Whenever I hear the phrase: “God Bless You.” I simply reply as earnestly as I can with: {smile} “Indeed, He has…as He has also done to you.” From there 3 types of reactions follow –
a. Either an equally earnest or pleasantly surprised acknowledgement
b. A puzzled and hesitant acknowledgement OR
c. A flat out disappointment – as if I should have bestowed ‘something’ upon them
So everyone has their view and position on a traditional “habit” that has spanned thousands of years, languages and cultures. Just know your audience…and as a Christian do what is right WITHOUT compromising YOUR integrity and relationship with God. For THAT is all that matters…
When all else fails, simply…smile and say: “May God Bless Us BOTH.”
I have the same pet-peeve. It sounds too scripted.
Do you think there may be an appropriate time to hear or say “May God bless you!” As well as an inappropriate time?
I think when it has become just a phrase to help me sound spiritual or it is said without real thought then it has become meaningless lingo.
When the persons who received an answer to a prayer express their gratitude through an expressed blessing, I feel it appropriate to respond either in kind or with something like “God has blessed us both by our meeting today!” It shows that we are engaged in the conversation and the relationship…. or so it seems to me.
Well, I’m going to buck the trend here and say that I’m a deliberate sayer of “God bless you.” There’s a pretty good biblical precedent for it, for one thing, but for another, I don’t say it casually. When I say or type “God bless,” I’m truly praying to ask God’s blessing on an individual. Furthermore, when I help a homeless person (to use an example from another comment), I want to make sure they know that I’m not just excercising my own kindness; I’m actually passing on God’s blessing to them.
Now that said, I deliberately will not say “God bless you” when someone sneezes, as that does not make any sense to me whatsoever. 😉
I agree with you 100%. 🙂
I am in agreement with you here. I do say God bless you, and I say it in all sincerity. However I also don’t say God bless you when people sneeze. Paul would end his letters by speaking a blessing to his readers. “God bless you” may not be as specific as Paul’s “May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you” was but in my heart I say it from deep within, with a deep desire for God’s grace to shower an individual.
That’s great! I don’t mind the practice at all when done with intentionality.
Hello Jeremy. I think some people misunderstand you but I think I can relate with you. Actually I’ve been feeling uncomfortable saying God bless you especially to my fellow believers in church sensing that it becomes shallow and insincere just like a normal greeting or expression because of its repetitive nature. I mean we’re already blessed aren’t we? Actually I’ve been hesitant to share this to anyone because maybe there’s just something wrong with my heart but your words resonated with my thoughts and Im so thankful for your inquisitiveness and transparency. I mean, cant people hear me out without prejudice and think about my questions without judging me? I still have to learn a lot of things and I think that there’s plenty room for growth in each of us
Thanks, Pam. I think you should listen to your heart. I believe you sense that these sorts of “greetings” can often (but not always) just be shallow Christian greetings that try to show others how “spiritual” you are. So feel free to just talk normally to other people without the need to fill your language with Christian lingo.
in our ministry, we have tried to get away from using “God Bless you” because of the cliche nature but also because of the need to communicate on the same level as the people we serve. Saying “God bless you” can make us seem superior, like we can somehow convey God’s blessing, or like we are in good with God and they are not. Lately, we have been saying “God Loves You” instead, because we want them to know that. it is really cool to watch someones face when you give them something ans simply say “God loves you”.
Pastor FedEx
Interesting. I am glad that you made a decision about what to say and why. Maybe I am a bit jaded by the use of the phrase in my own ministry setting where some people who use it simply seem to be trying to broadcast to everyone else, “Hey look at me! I am such a pious Christian!”
I am sure I am too critical on this. I think I would love it if I sensed it was a genuine prayer for blessing. I get the feeling from some, however, that it is just a Christianized “hello.” And when said loudly and repeatedly in a public setting, it reminds me of what Jesus said about people praying in the marketplace and street corners to be seen and heard by men.
GOOD ANSWER! GOD BLESS YOU and I am not going to stop asking God to bless people. Ax a matter of fact, I leave you with the following prayer: May God bless you. ALL OF YOU! And I mean and pray this in the name of my LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God bless you.
My reply (above March 1, 2016 at 2;02 pm) was for Chuck McKnight from January 24, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Good-bye all, and again, God bless you…anyone who will receive my sincere blessings to ask God to bless them.
I find that being kind to people they ocassionally say I’m kind. I use that opportunity to tell them I’m not showing them my kindness, I’m showing them GODs kindness. It can open up doors to talk to people about GOD
A couple of times you say “I know they want me to say it back.” So, what I’m reading is your assuming they want you to say it back. How do we know what they are looking for when they say it? Maybe it’s just a salutation or maybe they want God to bless us.
To much “Christian speak,” sticks in my craw too. But, I try to let it go because I know people are in different points of their relationship with God.
Mike
Love your site!!!!
Thanks for reading, Michael!
For the most part, I do the same thing. I just let it go most of the time. I have never told anyone to their face to stop saying it…. just in a blog post that goes out to thousands of people. Ha! This post might not have been the best idea….
Only when we’re getting ready to insult somebody and we’ve already worn out “bless their heart”. That’s how we roll in the south. 🙂
Jeremy,
I’m completely with you on “Christian lingo fillers.” I seldom end a conversation or email with “God bless you,” but when I do, it is really a form of a prayer asking (implicitly) that God WOULD bless that person in whatever way they need to be blessed. Often it is sensing his presence in whatever difficult circumstance they just described. Does this make sense?
Glenn
Glenn,
That is a great practice! I should have had my wife read over this post before I published it. My tone is much more negative than I intended. If someone says “God bless you” as a genuine form of prayerful blessing, I am all for it. Glad you have this practice.
If we meet (not likely with me in Holland and you over there) I will say: ‘Greetings Earthling’
But to be honest, I do not say ‘God bless you’ to often. But I do not get anoyed by people who do. I mean, when I read blog comments or the like, people kinda talk funny as well (LOL, BFF, OMG). Every group has its own slang. Come to think about it, when people over-Christionise me in conversations I do tend to laugh a bit… Hopefully they do not hold me accountable. Can somebody echo that?
Anyway, maybe the Dutch are a bit more down to earth?
Jurgen
Ha ha ha!!!
Greetings!
But don’t ask to be taken to our leader.
You are right that every group has its own slang. “God bless you” is part of the Christian slang for many people. It looks, however, that some people say it with the prayerful intention of asking God’s blessing on the people they meet.
And who knows? Maybe the Dutch are more down to earth. We American’s tend to be overzealous in most of what we do…
You are right, God has already blessed us. We have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”
I do not agree with you. There is nothing wrong to say “God Bless You” We read too much into people’s minds. I do beleive they mean well. I will always end up my email by saying “God Bless” I do agree if some one over use
the “God Bless You” to often, may 3 to 5 times. Do not make a mountain out of a molehill.
In the Bible it says if any two agree in “My Name” “I will answer”. It’s only when we say “good luck” etc. etc. or offer a blessing to one outside the faith that it goes into a cold shadow of its power and glory.
Dear Adrian, I get where your coming from but I disagree that
If a Christian gives a blessing to a non believer it has nill effect
when I worked for a short time on a check out in a supermarket
I bade them farewell with a blessing, the choice was theirs to receive the gift and open it. I used to pray for each of my customers as I was talking to them.
There were a few I let by as I felt I was to leave them for the present.
I never had ant negative feed back.
Jesus blessed non believers all the time as He healed and taught the people, the opportumity to believe and change was and still is available. Love Clive X
I do not think saying “God bless you” holds any meaning. We are to be the hands of God and we are to use them to bless others. Saying “God bless” is a cop out and makes us sound spiritual. Give those words some flesh, some substance, some color, some taste, some feeling. some compassion. Let someone know the blessing of God through you. Make Him and his blessings visible and real.
I hear what you’re saying in terms of “God bless you” as trite, “Christian-ese” rhetoric; but when I say it, I mean it. I am genuinely praying that God would bless the person with what they are in need of. As I leave them, I often continue in prayer for them based on what I’ve seen, sensed or heard. I’m not trying to be “religious;” that’s just how I flow!
Yes Sonya. Love Clive X
Sorry Sondra x
Sondra,
Yes, I am primarily referring to Christianese in this post. If someone means it and says it prayerfully, then I don’t mind. However, I do want people to be wary of sounding overly pious and holy toward others. It can sometimes come across in the wrong way.
Glad to hear “Big Faith”; Clive, hate to put myself on the spot but was basing my response on scripture where it says something to the point of not blessing a person on a journey or path or on their way etc. leaning towards I believe that unbelievers are on a path outside of Christ. So something to the effect whereas as you don’t say to stranger “good luck” or something similar is how I’ve always took it.?
BTW someone I have been praying for outside of Christ has been softening their heart towards The Lord; understanding grace and love helps immeasurably!
Fantastic! Wonderful. Keep loving and serving them.
I think I have actually offended people when I don’t respond to a sneeze with “Bless you.” I just can’t get myself to do it. Maybe it’s a pride issue? I don’t know. And for the rest…. I do not like Christianese, so the words are rarely used, unless I feel a real prompting from God. Thanks for the fun conversation. Hearing all of the various responses has been quite interesting.
It has been an interesting topic, with many points of view on the subject. Thanks for weighing in. I probably only say “God bless you” to my wife, because she says it to me. I don’t think I have ever said it to anyone else.
Wow, there are some interesting post regarding this “phraseology”, however, I am of the mindset that if it’s religious jargon or well intentioned, I will take a God Bless you any day any time. ? Duet: 11:26 tells us “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse”.
I know what God Bless you means to me. We are a family that speaks God’s blessing over our children daily, so again, I will take a God Bless you anytime, real or fake. Apostle Paul said, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed: so it’s difficult to understand how someone could take offense to someone saying God Bless You.
Would you be offended or think it religious, or “Christianese”, if someone said Bless you with in this manner: may our Father, The Great I AM, El Shaddai, Yahweh, Elohim, Adonai, Alpha and Omega, Jehovah Shalom, Raha, Tsidkenu, Jireh, Nissi, Mekoddishkem, Sabaoth, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Yeshua, Healer, Redeemer, and the precious Holy Spirit Bless you with every good and perfect gift. Would this be offensive? I don’t think so.
That’s what I hear when someone says “God Bless You”. So I’ll say it, God Bless you my brothers and Sisters.
Right. I don’t think it is offensive, it just comes across to some as unreal, or overly pious, or “holier-than-thou.” But again, I would rather take a “God bless you” than a “F* you” any day. In a day when people hurl curses around all the time, maybe it is good to pass around blessings as well.
Just came across this great article by Dallas Willard. I think it’s appropriate to the discussion at hand. This is what I personally mean when I tell someone “God bless you”: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/january-february/right-way-to-give-someone-blessing.html
Thanks, Chuck. I will check it out.
I usually say “Bless you” when someone sneezes, because it is more meaningful than “Gesundheit” in most English conversations. That the blessings would come from God is implied, but no matter what faith, if any, the sneezer has, just saying it brings God, Allah, Jehovah the Tao, G-d, that which cannot be named, more into the awareness of both of us; which can never be a bad thing.
“Gesundheit” means “good health.” “Bless you” seems more holistic to me – a wish for good spiritual health, as well as physical.
I sometimes say “Bless you” to someone as a sincere expression of exceptional gratefulness. Perhaps my gratefulness should always be at the level of ‘exceptional’, and I’m working on it, but I’m “only’ human, after all!
I should add that it is an unobtrusive way of bringing God into the awareness of the moment. Unobtrusive is important. Outright preaching is offensive to many people. Also. hardly anyone is truly qualified to preach to anyone else. I haven’t yet encountered such a person.
These words from a certain popular song, as uninspired as the rest of the lyrics may be, are worth bearing in mind:
I can not save you;
I can’t even save myself
As (the original) Tiny Tim put it, “God bless us, every one.”
Lutek,
Absolutely. That is my only real point. I want to be unobtrusive, and be a real blessing to someone. If I am always spouting Christianese, this is annoying to some, and if I say, “Too bad, I am going to annoy them in Jesus name” I am not sure this is what Jesus wants us to do. There are so many ways to bless people other than saying “God bless you” I think we need the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to know how best to bless others.
Hey Jeremy,
I have found that it is mostly younger Christians that do this sort of thing, I did when I first became a Christian in the 70’s and I wore a big wooden cross on the side of my pants and carried my bible everywhere I went. My dad used to say if it doesn’t hurt anyone and is not hugely distorting scripture but makes them feel closer to God, don’t knock it as it is better than them being in the world and maybe using foul language and going to hell.
I liked what Christopher Bowen said, that He has already blessed us. “May you love Him more, Learn more of His love for you and grow in your faith in Him that you may recognize and enjoy more of His blessings ” maybe is what I would like to hear said to me, and say too to another (though the other may not !); In fact a beautiful blessing in Numbers 6 while very relevant for then in the OT, is not so now in NT times (methinks). He HAS made His face to shine upon us, He HAS given us His peace etc. (since the time He redeemed us on the Cross), so saying May the Lord bless you etc. is like saying :you are not yet redeemed” or reflects a lack of acknowledgment / realization of the “Finished” work on the Cross. (OT ends where NT begins, at the Cross, not at Matt 1:1 and not even at Christmas/Birth of our dear Lord Jesus Christ.)
I read in the Bible, “bless and do not curse”.
George
Of course we should bless people. But blessing people does not just consist of saying “God bless you.” Let us actually bless them! Love, serve, help, heal, give. Tangible blessings.
How about a comment upon departure, for instance,
“we are blessed”, or,
“God bless us/you with wisdom”
I don’t actually mind “God bless you” when it is accompanied with love and service. But words are just words.
That implies that the person saying GOD bless has ulterior motives. How can anyone read someone else’s mind as to their intent?
I have no problem saying God bless you or someone saying it to myself. When I pray I ask for God blessings and also ask God in prayer to bless others. God want us to let others know that he is God the father that blesses others. All blessing come from the father. Many people feel that he blessing of God is a gift. I feel many don’t like to say God bless you because the don’t want others to know that they are spiritual. I’m very open sharing with others that I love God. The bible mention our father saying they hated me first.so if you are a lover of God you are heated. then I feel hate me. I welcome God blessing and I love hearing it. many of my friends who know God do not reject to hearing it or saying it. You here more people using God name in vain and some people is ok with that. I do understand when God says to be not of this world. Well you have a good day.
Yes, each person must do what God is leading them to do. It sounds like you are able to help and encourage people by saying this. Remember to actually love and serve them as well (so you can BE a blessing) when you get the opportunity!
if they say “God bless you” to me, I say thank you… i’ll take all the blessings that come my way and be grateful. It has nothing to do with religion…
Well I am very sorry to hear this and actually see That Christians have gotten so political about this its horrible!!! You know tonight My wife and I and a friend went to an event at a local Church we use to attend O and by the way I always tell my wife “God Bless You”. Its the way I am she always tells me back!!! We saw one of the head pastors there @ Horizon Christian Fellowship he barley said hello no one there came up to us and said hello or anything!!! They where all in there own clicks!!! I have been hurt twice from this and I will never get hurt again my wife and I VOW to never step foot in a church again!!! We haven’t been to church for a while we thought we would try this event but never again to another church again!!!! We say God Bless you to store clerks everyone you know what everyone needs a blessing from The Good Lord!!! Not to brag or anything but I am 35 my wife is 46 and we are retired never have to work again because of the generosity of her father who passed left us a substantial amount!!! and her grandmother who recently passed left us twenty grand and since we do not need it I tell ya we wont be giving it to any churches because of the way they have treated us it will be going to the disabled vets!!!! So you know what bank on that and maybe a little Of God’s Blessings does not hurt anyone it did us wonders!!! The Church of the Lord Jesus is in the hearts of men not some building well My wife and I can have church together in our home!!! we will be in our own click!!!! Church has gotten way too political away from the Bible where its meant to be!!!!!
Christopher,
Be careful to not turn your experience in a congregation into a form of bitterness. I have fallen prey to this myself in the past, and such an attitude is only harmful.
GOD bless
There could be so much worse that cam be said other than ,God bless you”. People don’t want us to say Merry Christmas, God Bless..etc. I think people have forgotten that Christians are human!! We sin, we are not perfect, we don’t always have the words that you want us to say. Calm down. There’s worse going on in the world than if someone says , “God bless you.” But if this is the worse thing that’s going on in your life, hey..you’re living pretty good. Believe me, working with the public, if someone says God bless, just take it and run. Unless you’d rather be cursed out and called everything BUT a child of God
I had to reflect upon this matter … I tell the Father after Mass, ‘God Bless You’. I tell those who ask for prayer or those who need prayer and are to proud to ask, ‘God Bless You’ . If someone does something overly nice for me or someone else and I see it, I will say, ‘God Bless You.’ If I am in a place of business and am in an overly jubilant mood, I will likely blurt out to everyone, ‘Hope all of y’all have a blessed day.’ In any other one on one situation, I will say, ‘You have a blessed day or a blessed rest of today or a best rest of the week.’ It depends on the individual circumstances.
If you are looking for a response, you are more than welcome to use mine…
I simply reply, “Heaven help you as well,” to them! It does, sometimes, get folks to thinking and has even resulted in a couple of interesting conversations.
Forget about sneezes, though. On this day in 600 AD, Pope Gregory the great declared that “God bless you” was the appropriate response to a sneeze and, with 1415 years of momentum behind it, I do not see that changing!
Have a lovely day and Heaven help you…
Your making this way to big of deal. When I say God bless you or anything of the sort I am not looking for any kind of reciprocation I am simply wishing Gods blessing on you because I believe everything, life itself for example to be a blessing. I believe it to be a gift and I want you to experience the same joy that I do. To do so otherwise would be from my perspective selfish. And if your wondering how it goes in my “God bless you home” my dad always said before bed “God bless you and have sweet dreams” even to my not so spiritual siblings. As I hope to one day do for my children. The only ill intent when someone says good bless you is hoping you receive a better blessing then the ine saying it.
I doubt you would get peeved if someone says “have a nice day”…even if you are already having a nice day and they said it so mechanically and moved on. If there is no end to how much God can bless a man, then what is so uncomfortable about someone wishing you more of the goodness that only God can give? Maybe I see it this way cuz I come from a part of the world where miracles are hard to find but everyone needs one. so when someone says ” God bless you”, believe me, you say a loud “Amen”. U dont think about how mechanical it sounds or why all christians have to be so cliche. Instead u think about how good God has been and pray that he causes his face to smile upon and hope the devil doesn’t have one up his sleeves for you that day. Just saying
I do, actually. Maybe I’m just a depressed person. Ha! The thing is that I want people to say what they mean and think about what they say. I never ask someone “How are you?” unless I really mean it. If I just want to greet them, I simply say, “Hello.”
As for “God bless you,” I understand why people say it. I just think it is a religious way of saying “Hello” so that some people can sound more righteous in front of others.
Saying God Bless you dates back way further than you think. Its been around a long time, written in Numbers 6:24. It is a beautiful sentiment to express to another person. When used genuinely and not robotically it is saying, “I care about you. I hope God blesses you abundantly in your coming and going. I hope he blesses you in sickness and health.” Anytime any believer wants to bless me, I’ll take it. There is so much ugliness in the world. So much irritation. So much ill will. When somebody says, “God bless you,” I think it is beautiful. I am sad for you that you feel otherwise. With that said, I hope God blesses you despite your indifference. He loves you. He cares deeply for you. He wants the best for your life. He longs for you to spend time with him. To know about him in a new way. Turn away from religion and towards a personal relationship with Him. May the “Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn is face toward you and give you peace.” May you find selah and rest easy.
I cannot & will not say “God bless you” because I cannot order God to perform blessings at my will. Surely if I would like someone to be blessed, I will ask by prayer.
I don’t always say it, but sometimes when the customary pleasantries are being exchanged (ex grocery store), I offer up “have a blessed day”. “God bless you” implies a long term transformation in my view. Instead of having a “great day”, a blessed day is one step better IMHO. Hopefully it has the added benefit of getting them to focus (if only momentarily) on what’s important.
I remember a lady who worked the lunch counter, and when you would ask her how she was, she would always respond “I’m blessed”. Back when my faith was formative, it would catch me by surprise and remind me…..
My $0.02
It is very hard for us good single people to have someone say to us God Bless You when many of us are still Not married with no family, and many single women are much Good at handling it a lot better than us single men which i certainly will admit. Peace.
If today’s form of greetings are not used because they are not found in the Bible, then why do we not practice using the greetings that are in the Bible? Three of many examples:
Ruth 2:9, Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The LORD be with you!” “The LORD bless you!” they answered.
Mat 28:9: And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “All hail” (an interjection found only in the Gospels as the translation of chaire, chairete, meaning “Rejoice!”.
Paul’s admonishion to greet each other with a holy kiss (not on the lips, according to Hebrew custom).
Paul always heaped blessings on those he wrote to; not out of cultural pleasantries, but from his love for the saints.
You ever thought that it’s actually coming from someone’s heart to say God bless you, not so you can say it back. It says in the bible to do things from the heart without expectations. When I say that is how I feel and a blessing does always mean that ur going to get extra, it can at times simply mean for you to be in Gods mercy. For example if you are leaving and I say bye God bless you, I mean for God to be with you, that’s a blessing to me. And I know that yes he’s is with you either way but if something evil is trying to hurt u come near you with saying God bless you I know that it cuts that and it is harder for it to touch you. I think you should receive it gracefully Vs looking at it in that manner. When u receive it, eventually it will come from your heart to actually say it to someone when you feel in your heart to do it. You should rebuik what ever is making you feel that way towards receding something that means no harm but only good to you. You are cutting your blessings because knows your heart and you sound angry and God looks at that. So I say to you if you have received Jesus as your Lord and savior , that you should start receiving Gods blessing even when it is just being said by one of our brothers and sisters. You are never well enough not to receive a blessing from God. I hope that you can rebuik all evil that makes you upset about someone saying that to you and I ask God to bless you out of that fight of receiving a simple wish of people asking God to continue to bless u! In Jesus name … Amen!
Yes. Good thoughts.
I just hang out with a lot of non-Christians, and they roll their eyes at how some Christians talk. They think it is an attempt to appear “holier than thou.” It is like in the days of Jesus when certain religious people would pray out loud on the street corners and in the marketplace and have their prayer tassles longer than others just so they could be seen to be righteous.
If Christians want to use Christian lingo around each other fine…. but when we are talking with non-Christians, I think that such Christian lingo only hinders our ability to live as salt and light among them. If we want to be a blessing to non-Christians, it should be done with actions rather than words.
I agree, we should bless them with actions instead of words. I just have to say that at times all we can do is bless them with words because it could just be in passing. We never know what someone is going through and those words may help them. So, I think bless them in as many way possible. When you do it from the heart God knows and if you can only do it with words it is okay because God is a mighty God and some of us are at different levels with him and some words may result in actions just because of who is saying them.
God listens and knows what the non believers need. If you ask me, they need God. Now, I’m not saying that saying God bless you would be the only way of opening that door, but in a lot of cases it can be. Saying God bless you to a non believer To me is like sharing something they don’t have. And they may not receive it but it feels like I pulled one layer and it may take a million more of God bless you to get rid off all layers , but we are all made by God. With that said, I want to pull God out in you because I know he is in there somewhere, even when they dnt know it. I say God bless you so I can plant a seed. Because even when a person gets upset about that just means that the devil is scared because he knows God has all power!
It can also be a reminder that God has blessed us all, including the non believer because he sent his only Son to die for us. And all though some may know that some forget it very easily. And some still dnt realize it!
God bless you all!!!!
The non-believer must believe, come to a state of understanding, because no one enters the heavenly realm until they do believe in God. There is the gulf the vast area where those who do not believe will reside. Those of us who do believe in the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit will reside in Paradise with Him. Nothing that is evil, bad, or of darkness can be in the presence of God. There is hope for the non-believer, they must believe. John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that who so ever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. We live by the word as He has instructed.
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
my error
Jeremy, there is no non-Christian or Christian lingo! We are not religious people either. We are simply Christ like people led by the Holy Spirit to speak words of life so that others can choose to open there hearts to salvation rather than reject it and stay on a path of destruction. Words are powerful! Saying the right words can be the difference in getting a job, saving or destroying a relationship, receiving salvation or rejecting it, etc. To whomever thinks words mean nothing, you are surely mistaken! Christians draw from the same vocabulary as everyone else. God Bless You.
Many times I have said “GOD bless you” to cashiers in stores, and most got a smile on their faces , and said thank you . You could tell that it was like a cup of cold refreshing water to them, especially when they are overwhelmed with customers.
My pet peeve is when I see GOD Bless America. On signs, bumper stickers,etc., why it’s turned into a patriotic saying. Shouldn’t we be saying America bless GOD? Then (I feel) GOD will hear our confession of sin and heal our land.
Surely, “God Bless You” is not to be taken lightly. As a Christian, when I say it I mean it! I have read a lot of the comments here and I see some of you pass judgement on people who say it. First of all, you don’t know these people to pass judgement as to whether they mean it or not. As Christians, we have a duty to witness to others and to bless those who are less fortunate financially, spiritually, and physically. God knows my heart and my works when I say “God Bless You”. God gave us all free will. So the next time someone blesses you with those words, you can either accept it as a blessing or move on. Out of love and being Christ like, I don’t want to see anyone lost for not receiving God’s blessings and his salvation. Even if you feel you have already been blessed, God’s blessings are everlasting and never end. God Bless You and love you all!
I think you’re making too much of it. When I say “God bless you” I don’t think that I’m using my Christian super powers to rain God’s blessings on you. What I’m saying really is, “may God bless you.” It’s just a nice thing to say, like “good morning”. Or should we not say that either? After all, my saying “good morning” doesn’t make the morning good. If someone is already having a good morning then it’s redundant and if they’re having a bad morning then it’s cruel to say “good morning”. Maybe we should just say, “hello, it’s morning”. At least that’s factual and doesn’t imply anything that might annoy someone.
I might be making too much of it. But what would you think if a Muslim friend of yours kept telling you, “May Allah Bless You!”?
So between the Stop Saying God Bless You article and the Stop Using These Christian Cliches article, I gather that my “Christianese” makes people uncomfortable and I guess people should never feel uncomfortable so I should stop talking like a Christian, or at least keep my Jesus freak talk confined to the walls of the church where it belongs. Sorry, I’m in a street ministry. Political correctness just isn’t my bag.
I do not say God bless you for your kindness to people to ones that appear muslims, but I know their Allah is the same as our God to them. I am disabled and get around with a walker which it sometimes is hard to open a store door with.
“Blessed be the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bless us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms, in Christ Jesus”(Ephesians 1:3).
Hi all,
I found this post because I looked up “God Bless you as a greeting”. I myself have judged the sincerity of it.
I think the author is on to something. If you are saying God Bless you simply as greeting, then you are not sincerely wishing a blessing on someone.
God Bless you is, or should be, an invocation. By your words you will be justified & by your words you will be condemned. The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Some amount of people using this, & related phrases (such as “have a blessed day”) are guilty of social phoniness.
Originally I was researching church-culture (which does exist) & a number of the comments here prompted me to respond.
Also, some of the comments here are showing a way too literal interpretation of “not judging”.
We can evaluate motives, and there are places we are told to do so. Learn of discernment.
Lola, I sensed a veiled insult in your comment: You basically told the author to “get a life”. That’s something worldly & carnal people do. In other words, his viewpoint, desire, or feelings are based on his lack of social interactions.
“Hey Jeremy, go out & hit a bar once in awhile!” Sorry I’m being sarcastic.
This article engendered a lot of distaste. I didn’t realize how touchy of an issue this is.
Jeremy I applaud you. When you take a stand, stand with it.
With that, Peace & Blessings to you, in all sincerity.
It’s over critical. God bless you.
“God bless you” is a wishing clause, short form of “may God bless you” Because of God’s grace and blessing, we could continue life as a believer on earth, Instead of saying “God curse you,” wish people “may God bless you”It’s not a greeting words but words of bid farewell to any one we love. It’s not a give out and receive back motive words. It’s just wishing to someone we love. It’s a part of farewell prayer.
The fact of life is God protects and blesses to all whom He loves and even chastise for He loves. So to express the fact about the believer life is not a wrong but “God bless you”is words of faith.
When someone says God bless I say I receive your blessing
I sneezed.
Nothing much bothers me. Whatever’s clever suits me, if it suits you. Bless your heart, I believe is a southern way to flip you off. Or is it God bless your heart? I see it as a person’s hug, handshake, or kiss, when greeting. I prefer a handshake I accept others from people I approve of. Not every friend is in the close friends family zone.
I read here something about the Dutch being more down to earth. Mostly that is true. Maar ook niet altijd hoor, ze kunnen ook erg zweverig zijn (if the Dutch guy still reads here)
It does irritate me also a bit, this ‘God bless you’ because it is often used in a way that it means nothing.
People do the most horrible things but “God bless’ . (and ‘God bless America’ First a politician talks war-language, and ends with this thoughtless pronuncation, very strange )
But God blesses. And there are worse things one can say to another!
I am not a “God bless you” person but if I’m in a conversation with anyone who is, I am polite enough to let them be. I even reply God bless you, too sometimes.
But when I do see “What a blessing! …An answer to prayer! …God is so good. …That just blesses my heart. …Oh, bless your soul! …Praise Jesus! …Amen!” on social media, without any explanation, I admit it’s a little annoying… you know, maybe they’re not trying to be really mysterious but are genuinely thankful for something. I just let them be as well.
No I totally agree and get you. It irks me so I have never understood why and I’ve even asked people why do us Christians say that? Am I spos to say it back? Do you want me to say it back? I don’t want to say it back I feel as we are already blessed and been blessed a thousand times over 70×7 I mean when Jesus shed his blood isn’t that enough ? I know blessings continue to be countless in my life daily so I don’t feel the need to bless you or anyone else. The only thing I’ve ever heard about this that was kinda cool is that if a brother or sister tells you this its more powerful because we have the power in him of course to actually “bless people” but whatever I am so pet peevish I despise someone always ending everything with GOD BLESS I don’t even get an EFFN YOU.End Rant
I recently gave a older man and his wife this blessing. I was worried their truck was ready to break down and they would not arrive to their destination. That, while he smiled and drove away.
Remember out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. If you live your life for God’s glory, and bless those around you–family, friends, and strangers, it might be a natural flow. I desire for all men to come to saving faith in Christ JESUS. It’s not being “super spiritual” for me–it’s being a believer. JESUS CHRIST saved me from a miry pit almost 32 years ago. It’s a reminder that God is blessing us–whether people know HIM or not.
I think God bless you is a very positive words and I will be saying it to people as God is with me in my very situation its all because people say me God bless you. I want my God to be with them too in every situation that’s how love grows and that’s what God wants too love one another so next time someone says God bless you take it in positive way it really works.
I find it offensive. I guess in my personal experience people who were religious enough to say “bless you” (outside of the sneeze ordeal which I even say bless you out of childish habit) did it as some kind of display of their awesome religiousness vs other people’s sinner ways. Often it was a lead in to remind us of how we nonbelievers were going to go to Hell unless we got Jesus in our lives. I follow the path of the Traditional Witch when I’m feeling I need some religion at all. I am also licensed minister. I could pull out a pentacle and bless a Christian but I guarantee they would get offended. So this knife cuts both ways.
I say God Bless you all the time. I never say it with the expectation of someone saying it back to me. It is a prayer, a charge, a wish upon their lives that I want to give to them unconditionally. Freely we have received and freely we give. That’s it. Nothing more.
I totally agree with Leslie .It’s nut’s to think it’s not needed or innapropriate. As she said, who say’s your saying it to get a blessing back , maybe the persons sincere in wanting God to bless you .
You
Don’t have to say it but who are you to tell others what they can’t say? God bless you!!!
I am not worthy to say to some one, specially to non Christian “God Bless You”
But God blesses me and my family as we believed and work for His glory.
We can say, ‘praying for you…’
God is not going to move to a person as I or you or we wish. blessing and cursing is in His mighty hand only.
Let’s try to understand by our own, no copy & paste system, for His glory.
Fair enough criticisms. I actually enjoy the commonly repeated denouement of elderly black women, “…have a blessed day.” The shortened statement of fact, “God bless” is also used with such mild charm. My own knee-jerk universal is the refrain, to “take care.”
More interestingly, perhaps, is the way that my own understanding of God may relate to this particular qualm. As OP has stated, “Yes he has, as he has blessed you too.” Indeed. God being Everything from which each of us was derived. Each a part of Him, like Him.
Maybe the echo does rob the words of its meaning. But I also think of voice of God resides in an echo. The “white noise” of the world. When we listen it relaxes and even gives us guidance. When we are open to listening to Everything.
In this way God’s blessing is the revelation, and even having the feeling with you. While feeling the blessing of God, in that revelation, we still might worry to lose it.
So I think with or without the hollowed meaning of the greeting, “God bless you,” it’s difficult enough to find yourself, Atman, finally at the face of Brahman. And I think everyone that has at last found some piece of God in their souls would agree that they hardly know how they arrived in the center of life’s labyrinth. But it feels like being blessed.
So let them have it. Realize that Everything is as it can be and laugh with us at the sky. Or the ground. Your choice.
When some Christians say “God bless you” their tone reveals that they really mean “F*** you.” You’ve seen some of that too, it sounds like.
I often end an email or message with ‘Every blessing’ or ‘Love and every blessing’. What I am saying is that I’m hoping the person I’m addressing will receive every blessing he or she is willing to receive.
Only one person has spoken up to me about this and it was a family member. He identifies as a Christian and is concerned that only God can bless. Not me.
What is your opinion about this?
I end mine with miracles and blessings; letters, emails a friendly good-bye.
Why would someone saying “God bless you,” no matter how many times they say it, make you uncomfortble? Can you ever truly have too many “blessings” from God? I know I can’t. But maybe that’s just me….
If you mean it, say it. If you don’t mean it, don’t say it. If you are offering the blessing or responding to the blessing the same rule applies for either occasion. Not real complicated.
Re: stop saying God bless you.
Hello, you are right. I had a dream last night where I was going to write to someone bless you. Then God spoke to me in my spirit in the dream and says it means nothing, speak a word over there life inspire them.
So you don’t appreciate it when people say God bless you whenever they leave or meet with you? Saying it after a sneeze is just because back when, when someone sneezed it was believed that was a point of vulnerability to demons and bad spirits. So they said “Bless you” to give you God’s blessing to keep you safe from those threats.
But you said, “When someone says, “God bless you,” what I want to say is: “He has. And He’s blessed you too. So let’s stop talking like religious nuts and have a conversation like normal people.””. Along with that you have also said, “Also, can we really call down the blessing of God upon our lives by appending every conversation with the words “God bless you”?”. The blessing of God is always upon our lives, whether we say it is or not. It is not wrong to say “God bless you” or “Amen!” or “Praise be upon him” before, during, or after a conversation.
Not to point out the twig in your eye, with a log in mine, but if you are a Christian, then why do you ridicule others that follow their belief and spread the love of God in their day-to-day lives? And if you aren’t a Christian, than that pet peeve is your opinion. My opinion is people who don’t think about others’ beliefs before they ridicule, complain, or gossip about that other person(s), are what makes up majority of my pet peeve list.
Lose the “pet peeve” list it is a waste of time to keep one. Use that time for something positive. If God calls you home you do not want the last thing you did on earth was to add to a pet peeve list. That is something you feed to keep it. I saw an article of two little girls walking on the side of a charred mountain in Pakistan. They were alone and one child did not have on shoes. I am grateful everyday the Lord blesses me with. Everyday is not as good as another but I say what I have to say, forgive and let go. You are a Dr. be positive in all you have accomplished and there will be no time for pet peeves. Love ya!
….God’s will is not complicated….thank you, Jesus!
Amen to all you said!!! I could not have said it better!!! God bless you as you serve Him in your life and aeek His will!!!
I say God bless all the time. My son said stop saying it. But it’s part of who I am in Christ. When I say it I really mean it. It’s come from the heart. And as I am walking away I say a prayer for them.
Christ will love you all the more for it own it, accept it John 3:16 – For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. From the heart, God does bless you.
It feels disingenuous in a way that…we don’t need people telling us that to be blessed, now do we? I pray for people I’m concerned about without having to wave that in their faces.
So I replied to an uncle who has just recently become super religious this way:
“Merry Christmas. God bless you,” he said.
I reply: “Merry Christmas to you too! May the Force be with you.”
I mean, he shouldn’t scoff at me giving him blessings in that way either, right?
I will share the same information with you, we are all on different levels of spiritualty. God is the only one to pass judgment. Because of my belief and the fact that you asked I do not agree with your response to your uncle, it was disrespectful. Who is to say what is right for him to be “super religious”? I think for a person to be how ever many steps closer to God no matter in what way is good. Would you take that from him? If he died after you said may the force be with you would that have made your day? Be kind in thought and in heart. My mother says if you can’t say anything nice do not say anything at all.
I say it because I truly want God to bless the person I say it to. If we could get our ego out of the way, and look to the one who blesses, whenever someone says it to us, we would be jumping for joy. Even if they don’t mean it, they still said it, and that blessing from GOD becomes yours. I need all the help I can get, so bring on the blessings! God bless you! 😆
My understanding of why we say God bless (you) originates from the time when the bubonic plague was killing thousands of people across Europe, sneezing was the first sign of infection so by wishing God’s blessings on someone could well be the last time you saw them and you wanted to wish them well. In these days of modern, more advanced and virilant diseases of plague like proportions maybe we should consider using the term more often.
Each to their own but I’ve never considered someone saying God bless to me as any type of evocation or command to God, instead simply that they trully wish me well and are expressing their feelings in a way that is pertinent to them. I always welcome good wishes, they’re far more welcome than bad ones.
If you object to someone wishing you well, in whatever way, then maybe you should consider asking them not to, or maybe if you feel a reply is necessary but don’t want to offend them simply say thank you.
I’ll conclude, as I often do when writing to those I don’t know, by wishing you peace.
I concur!!! I drove a school bus and when the children would sneeze I would say God bless you and your LITTLE germs. Getting sick from a child’s cold will knock a grown 7 ft. 350 lb. person on their back out for 4 weeks. I jest but not far off. Coronavirus should have awakened a lot of people to looking to God for as much assistance as possible and no matter how you ask we will all benefit from a blessing from God, in the name of Christ Jesus I pray we will all come to repentance. SYOTOS ~
I am so over trying to please people. Getting offended over a blessing? I dont say to get a blessing back. I say it because my God says to bless my friends and my enemies the same. So I dont pick and choose who to bless. If you dont want a blessing let me know and I wont deal with you. Being so petty and judging me because of it lets me know you’re either an unbeliever or lukewarm Christian ashamed of God. I’ll pray for you (you probably don’t like that either) but when you tell me I can’t be myself PLUS I cant glorify God, I’m concerned.
Amen Sister Glory to the Lord 🙌🕊✝️
I say it to show that I wish all the best for that person and that it hopefully shows the person that I am open to talk about God.
I never ever expected it to be said back.
I can see how through conditioning we feel a pressure to say it back.
Your conditioning should be with God and not the people around you in which you have no knowledge of the essence of their belief.
ummmmm, yeah. this article is stupid. “religious nuts”? we are on fire for God. God bless you!
Amen!!!
Are you being sarcastic? Really?
I wouldn’t say stupid rather than a teaching moment. Everyone is not on the same spiritual level of understanding or acknowledgment. How many different bibles are there where people get their understanding of God? More than we can count. Different writings about a particular subject do not always mean the same thing. We learn, we share, we accept, we deny but all should be done with love. If God called you today and to me that means you die, expire, no longer living, brain dead which ever you choose means the same to most but medically there are those who will give you an in depth explanation about the death of a human flesh body. We as humans are always opinionated. Reply in kind, you do not have to agree just be kind.
I usually feel the real geniune desire to say to people “God Bless you”,
But I know God blesses, not because I said it…I mean who am I? And I know I have been annoying to nonbelievers, more than once. In the other hand I don’t want it to become a common thing to say, I mean, it’s from the heart, and it’s using the Name of God. I don’t want to make it commonplace.
On the other hand I’ve felt grateful and really blessed and surprised once when my boss said it to me. I think it depends on the ocassion and on the intention of the heart.
I think it should be said, but should be said wisely.
Well for me I guess that “God bless you” should come along with praying to God for that person (It’s easier to say “God Bless you” than to spend time in prayer for the people you want to be blessed.)
There are so many other things that Jesus would have us be cautious about saying! I don’t think this such a big deal. If one says it with good intentions & means what they say, I see nothing wrong with it.
In fact, saying it to non-Christians can be a way of introducing a Gospel-sharing moment!
Sarah, I agree with you 100% – it is a way to introduce a Gospel-sharing moment and create an opening to tell them about Jesus!
When I think people are particularly nice to me and I get a good feeling about them, I say God bless you. I really want God to bless them for their kindness to me, and this prayer wish is my way of reciprocating the kindness.
If these phrases seem trite to you, why don’t you think about what we might say that will really make a difference in the lives we share a few words with?
Brother I don’t know you or your life but God does, he knows your heart, and from a man’s heart the mouth speaketh. If mentioning the lord offends you, maybe you might consider a little knee time with the father, (not telling you what to do or judging you) confessing Jesus before men will get Jesus to confess you before the father. (This we want) Jesus says if you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you and confess to the father I never you. Thus you will burn in hell, son this is a battle for your soul, (in my opinion) you should dump those feelings and put on some humility son he’s you’re father, treat him like it
I have found in customer service when a person acts like they want to cuse you out, they’ll said have a blessed day. And it is clear that is not well intended. I am black, and see this in the black community. I think it is passive a aggressive cop out.
I have had worse things said to me.
Thank u & regards
Everyone responds to questions in the way they were raised or by what they have learned. People’s lives usually change depending on who they spend time with. We pick up other people’s habits by what seems appealing to us. People who are trying to get more people to join their church will try to get you to attend services. On the other hand people who may try to get you to join their circle would try to incorporate their way of speaking on you? I don’t think so most of the time people as you say are just responding to you. What are they getting from your conversations? Are you talking of problems? They may seem to want God’s help for you. God steps in when we do not know what to pray for if you are sincere. You don’t seem to think God is a part of your life therefore part of your conversation. He should be your life always not only when you think it available. Romans 8:26 King James Version – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. What do you think is the sincerity of God in your life? It doesn’t matter what He is in someone else’ life, that is between them and Him. I am careful who I share the word of God with. The word of God is precious pearls to be handled with care because He is Holier than thou. When you get closer to God and understand the reason for Him in your life frivolous things said by other people won’t matter to you. It shouldn’t. God does not compare you with others, that would not be fair to you or others. He is fair as He would expect you to be. God, totally faithful and true and full of grace and mercy. This could be the longest comment so I will stop with this, trust in God but that too is a lesson for you to learn under the tutelage of a learned scholar. Someone who could guide your questions on the path of righteousness if that is what you are looking for. When you ask questions and you get answers remember the pearls given to you are precious. Use them wisely as God speaking to you. He is your Father who created you because He wanted someone just like you. You matter to Him let Him matter to you and everything else will work out, I promise.
Whenever I give to others, mostly outside of gas stations and what not, they always tell me “God bless you”; as did the person I just gave to. My response was “same to you”. Afterwards I realized that I should have responded with the same that you’ve mentioned when you stated, “God has blessed me, and you also”. I’m thinking that he most probably doesn’t know that he has also been blessed. Not going much into that and my assumptions. Just so happened to google and saw you’re take on the response and mine are the same.
My question is would you rather here “God bless you” or “got to hell”?
I meant hear not here sorry!
Fantastic comment. Short and sweet.
How interesting! Found this post after searching for *what religion is the saying “God bless” from*. Started watching some youtube channels that say this as a sign off, and even wear the Christian printed phrases shirts I see mentioned in the comments! Had no idea there were more people besides the few youtube folk walking around in some other places, wearing shirts brazenly exercising their religious freedom. More power to them. All I’ve ever seen in person of that religious shirt advertisement type are the pagan religion ones, but few and far between.
Didn’t realize the God bless phrase was part of the other type of Christianity, from what I grew up around. I guess I should have realized ‘denomination’ was the word I probably needed. The church I was raised in did use the (to me) super creepy brother/sister thing, but almost none of the other ‘preachy’ phrases. Not that they didn’t use sentences structured to make the listener boil, but that was their way. It definitely depends how these things are used as to the effect on the person hearing them. Also the baggage the person hearing them carries. Which is not the speakers fault, but I’m shocked at the high level of offense taken by so many commenters.
It was strongly frowned on to say “bless you” after someone sneezed because the reasoning sounded pagan (demons/bad spirits/souls leaving the body). I now say it all the time as some sort of private defiance. Also because I always thought it sounded pleasant. I don’t say it to people sneezing that I know think it’s offensive, because that’s rude. I’ve never personally been offended by all the other ‘exotic’ phrases, such as Allah something something, or Goddess whatever, etc. Probably because I have no built up history of anger related to anyone using other higher being names/alternative names for God. 😉
Like you I am frustrated when it seems the conversation is not able to progress because someone is using constant, in my opinion unnecessary, religious phrases within the conversation. A few people from other Christian churches would go on in that way, but I just figured it’s a cultural way from wherever they came from. Admittedly I tend to avoid those who do that in general, no matter who they are calling upon, outside of the humans speaking at the time. What I’ve never appreciated is the very un-Christian or any higher being, usage of ‘…have a blessed day!!!’, meaning no such thing, and ‘bless your heart’, again meaning no such thing of any blessing.
Thanks for the post, I understand why you would feel this way. I feel badly for people I see looking very uncomfortable with anything of the sort. It’s a bit like public displays of affection, especially when it seems staged just to confront. Comments were a wild read. Now on to trying to find out what denominations, or even parts of the USA or world use this thing…
In the Bible, they say ‘grace be to you’. Saying God bless you is against society you’re only allowed to say “have a blessed day” without including God. Thats why Christians say God bless you in a society that wants to take God out of everything, and because Jesus commanded us to bless those who persecute us.
You’re most definitely are making too much of it! Where you upset at God at the moment you wrote this article? Or at a certain someone who said this to you? Or where you being self righteous knowingly or unknowingly? I’m just speculating. When saying this or it being said to me, all it means is a reminder to give God Glory and acknowledge him in ALL our ways. Every single day every one is blessed in some kind of way. Breathing alone is a blessing from God. So God bless you ALL in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ.☺️🙏❤️👑 P.s Everyday someone can say something that can annoy and or offend us wether directly or indirectly, knowingly or unknowingly, good intentions or bad intentions. Taking heed to this may & will cause us to have a sour day. My joy comes from the Lord alone. Satan comes to still, kill & destroy. He already lost for it is written. 🙏 Glory be to God!🙏
Hi Jeremy,
LOL, I don’t usually comment on things I read in passing on line, but I thought this was worth leaving one this time. It’s nice to see someone thinks as strange as me. I couldn’t agree with you more on the “God bless you” thing. When people say that to me, in my mind I say “And another Captain Obvious” I don’t be rude about it, but I do believe too often we Christian get into “religious” stuff and habits and then believe we are spiritual.
My motto for life is to follow and do things as Jesus did them. I can’t find where Jesus told someone God bless you as a greeting or salutation. But I do find where Jesus had a man re-think his words of greeting. (Mt 19:16,17) Yeah, I say drop the pretty sounding religious talk and “keep it real” with God.
I never say it as who am I to request such blessings from God.
I also have no power to bestow God’s blessings on another, only God has.
God will bestow such blessings as they see as fitting.
I can offer help, compassion and love in my daily life and hope that through living a caring life I may be blessed, but I would never presume to ask for God’s blessing for myself or others.
I trust God knows who is in need of their blessings.
I definitely think that you are making too much of this. I take all blessings that come my way, knowing that God has already blessed me. What if they said “curse” you. I think there are many many more important issues that we as Christians have to deal with, coming from the outside world. I hope to never become an “accuser of the brethren”.
I am a man who says “God bless you” to my family, friends, and total strangers.
I mean it, it is not defensive Christian lingo, and when I look into people’s eyes when I say this, they look back with sincerity, and truly thank me.
It is also a brief witness for Christ that plants a seed of love in their hearts that will one day grow into a great tree.
I agree with the author. Thank you. I almost jumped for joy knowing I’m not the only one. I kept asking my self where is this in the bible? Is it scriptural? and that’s how I came across this.
I dont say God bless you too. I say ok enjoy your evening or have a great evening.
God bless you and stay blessed and be blessed…It just being used too casual and corny with no meaning to it. Like a slang word.
Oh and what about ‘God knows my heart”?
However There are some who genuinely mean it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Imagine yourself getting to the place where you can actually mean it in your heart of hearts and can’t bring yourself to say it and for what reason?
Imagine if everyone stopped saying this beautiful salutation? I do believe it’s being more scared of what other people think and more concerned about being cool. It’s the greatest hope. Of course we are all allowed, over time, to be encouraged, and hold freedom to think who is sincere in the “God bless you…” and who might not be.
Do people really judge straight way who you are, what kind of Christian you are just because one says it? One of my favorite scripture verses that packs a powerful punch is “Everyone must be quick to listen, (not put anyone in a category by one thing they may say) slow to speak, (are you not throwing a whole lot if kind-hearted people under the bus by putting tis out there? You are in essence teaching them to think and feel like you) slow to get angry…”
How do you feel about believers who share scripture?
The book of James:
“Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.”
I’d rather be considered foolish and say it than to live in fear of the persnickety?
What about someone ending a greeting to a family member with “God bless.” Not even a “You”.
I received it just now from my brother who goes to an ethnic Orthodox church, while I was praying, because it’s my birthday.
I’m not close to him, but I was trying not to fly off the handle in accordance with God’s commandments.
But c’mon, “God bless”?!! Not even a “You” thrown in!!!
I wanted to reply,
God bless what?! God bless myself for remembering to send this?
God bless the day off I’m having?!
God bless the interest rates aren’t going up?
God bless the old lady across the street and her pretty garden?
I am trying to get rid of this anger and rage and the superficiality of the world we live in but gosh it’s hard.
Please feel free to give me any advice, and sorry for pouring it out onto you rather than the Lord first.
I have never said “God bless you” to anyone for the hope that they say it back. it just isn’t my reasoning. I say “God bless you for a number of reasons, but never because I want to hear it back. if they want to saying it back, then great! but it isn’t my hope. my hope in saying it to someone, is that they will recieve a blessing from God, whether that be through me or any other person/thing and that if they are not a believer, maybe by being blessed, they may question of God and see that He is very real, and very alive today. we, as Christians are not to say God bless anyone, simply to hear it back, it would be pointless and self serving.
I’m delighted when someone says God bless you to me.
There is no right or wrong. To each his own. I say it to people with no expectations other than asking my Father in Heaven to actually give those people extra blessings. There are certainly issues we can have In in Life and battles to fight but this isn’t one. Speaking a blessing over someone in such a dark world that is already devoid of love and kindness can only help encourage others. Also I’m sure GOD isn’t in heaven thinking it’s a bad thing it’s in line with his word. JESUS told his disciples “”Freely you have received freely give”
So as I see it, when others and myself speak blessings over others it’s because so much love and blessings have been given to us and we are pouring it back out from our hearts and mouths.
I read serious truth. It’s not just you. This world that we live in today is very uneducated and have lost the sight of Truth. Thank you for voicing your opinion.
I think you have the spirit of antichrist because if you were in love with God someone saying God bless you would not come off as offensive to you which its actually not offensive at all. you have no problem saying when someone sneezes but out of the living heart of a believer its redundant to you?! And you actually speak as if you are a believer but deep down hate (as it comes off) your fellow believer sending you a blessing which you dont have no merit nor faith in only disdain. God bless you is not the equivalent to mere words like good luck or best wishes there is a spirit power behind those words from a genuine believer saying a blessing I er you when they say God bless you. you’re just on team satan not to know it.
“I think you have the spirit of antichrist” – quite the judgement there champ. You’ve known this person all of what, the length of a paragraph?
GOD BLESS YOU VERY MUCH
hey, great post, found it because my wife does this with complete strangers, not just Christians. Literally every sentence. I love my wife, and she exhorts quite well, yet I can’t shake the feeling we shouldn’t be saying these phrases as much as we do. I brought this up to her before googling it, and she offered up some good arguments in favor of saying it. It’s been a couple of days now, so I can’t remember what the arguments were, lol, but they were valid. I fall in your camp, and what she said just didn’t register with me because I’m not hyper spiritual like she is. Oh well.
God bless you, I really am asking for God’s blessings upon the world when I say that. And ill admit i am spiritual I believe in energy and aura and high and low spirits. Not everyone notices it or sees it but yeah I am spiritual. Its okay if you’re not. Just respect that she says God bless. You just don’t understand the spiritual side cuz it might not be you.
sometimes I used to be bothered by it…some Christians I know are very sincere… however, I take it as a blessing and not a curse. I just say thank you or ‘he has”. I would rather hear that than a curse. The Lord shows and tells us that speech is powerful. Even if they did not mean it…they spoke it into being. Ask why it bothers you so much? Even if they seem phony…God is not. I am glad God is mentioned at all these days…I hear more curses than blessings going on
in the streets and practice. sometimes….you may find that you were blessed as a result of an off hand blessing. I found something very special after a casual “God bless you”. A husband and a serious physical healing. He and I became ministers and do missionary work now when we have a calling. Many miracles and healing w/o insincere praisings…still , a blessing all around. It is my wish that you are blessed more than cursed. Just say ‘thanks’. Debi
Well I love you but your spirit doesn’t seem gentle in this so pleas pray and search your heart cause only God knows your heart. But when we say God bless you or as I usually say blessings, We are speaking the word of God over people and by faith releasing Gods blessings by loosing them on earth. When we bless God works blessings in lives by faith and by helping others have faith to look toward God and His blessings and have the attitude to see and receive all the good things God has toward them. Life and Death are in the power of the tongue and the words we speak are life and spirit.
God bless, yes you thinking too hard about this. Im asking you to say it back. I just want to say it to you.
Ya know, I consider myself a Christian but the “have a blessed day” saying is getting on my last nerve. It is self-serving and pompus better than thou. There are millions of people in the world who are of different faiths who believe in a personal God, personal being the key word here. Christians have been murdering and burning people at the stake forever in the name of their definition of God. So stop the BS with the have a blessed day phrase and start respecting others.
My pet peeved is whe. People respond….I’m blessed and highly favored…uh no.. in the Bible only Mary was highly favored.