Have you ever said “God bless you”?
Uhh! I should rather ask if you are “culturally correct” when someone next to you or within earshot sneezes? In that case you politely say “Bless you.” Why?
When someone sneezes in the United States, more often than not someone else says “Bless you!” The phrase first originated as “God bless you.” [This may happen in other English-speaking countries too, but perhaps not as often as in the US!]
PROPER RESPONSE: “Thank you!”
Below are just a few of the multiple possibilities for its origins and no one is exactly sure of the right answer.
ORIGIN 1. People used to believe a sneeze caused someone to expel their soul out of their body, and so “God bless you” or “Bless you” was used as a protection against the devil snatching your soul.
OR
ORIGIN 2. During the Middle Ages in 14th century Europe, the bubonic plague (also known as the Black Death) was widespread. Because it was usually a fatal disease, and people were often very religious, the phrase “God Bless You” offered a benediction to someone who might no longer be living soon.
REASON #1. Nowadays, it is generally just meant to be the polite thing to say, which is probably the main reason why this practice persists.
SIDE NOTE: In place of “Bless you,” some Americans also say “Gesundheit,” the German word for “health.” The appearance of this phrase was due to the numerous German immigrants who moved to the United States. Many Americans do not even realize this is a German word (and usually are unaware of the true meaning).
Definition of Blessed: Blessed. If you say you’ve been blessed, you feel lucky to have something: health, love, fame, fortune, talent, etc. It’s a special favor, mercy, or benefit: the blessings of liberty. It’s a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.
So, when you as a believer say “God bless you” just what are we saying/praying?
The Bible commands us to pray for one another, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16, ESV). God manifests Himself in many ways when praying together and for each other.
https://www.biblelyfe.com/blog/79-bible-verses-about-blessings
So right quick, let’s pray:
Our Heavenly Father, we ask for Your blessing upon us; we thank You that we have this great power, this wonderful wisdom, this deep insight, this flow of abundance surging through our lives, blessing us in every way and, through us, helping and serving Mankind. Father, be before me, behind me, and beside me – protect me and move me toward that which will bring me closer to You. Loving Father, bless my family with peace today. Bless them not just with worldly favor in all they seek to accomplish but with hearts and minds filled with Your Lovingkindness. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.