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.
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.
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.
“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.
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,
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.
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!!!!
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?
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.