Have we not all at one time or another had someone knock on the door?
Let’s look at two scenarios:
1. We go answer. Find someone who wants to sell us a vacuum cleaner, clean our gutters, or make a donation to a local school project. Perhaps we refuse politely, say “God bless you” and close the door.
2. We go answer. Find someone who is promoting a particular religion or political issue that we believe to be a false doctrine or an evil issue. Do we still say “God bless you?”
“God go with you” or “God bless you” has been a routine blessing to say to someone often even when we believe they are making a mistake. It is true that we want God’s protection to go with them, but we are not blessing their actions.
Sometimes a more appropriate prayer might be “God stop you in your tracks,” but we do not have courage enough to say that!
I love the song “God Bless America,” but do I really want God to bless America in the midst of her sin. I guess I want America to be blessed in spite of her sins.
But is that best? Is it even good?
The following is an excerpt from gotquestions : “The word God speed is found in only one passage in the Bible, and only in the King James Version: “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). Here John is warning believers against receiving false teachers or contributing to the success of anyone bearing a false gospel. To bid a false teacher “godspeed” is to express a wish for his success. Although we should love all people and desire their welfare, we cannot be faithful to the truth and at the same time wish the enemies of truth success in their endeavors. As John says, extending hospitality to a false teacher is to share in his work of falsehood.”
I really want America to repent, then be blessed. In light of eternity, we might be “blessed” with things that bring suffering!
Reminds me of President Reagan’s words: “America was founded by people who believed that God was their rock of safety. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it’s all right to keep asking if we’re on His side.”
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Image: gettyimages
Sweet aroma 
It’s interesting that II John was addressed to a Chosen Lady. Some interpreters think that the title refers to a congregation rather than an individual. Not receiving a false teacher into her house means don’t let a false teacher teach or preach at a gathering of the Church. J.
I am comfortable with it applying to both – individual and congregation. For instance, v 6 says: “this is love that we walk in obedience to his commands” I can’t imagine that that would be limited to the church but not individual or visa versa. Thanks for making me think.
I thank you for your thoughts on this one. Is it right to say All is right and God will bless when it is not true. What about the case at point here in Australia. A former much loved football player lost his career because he quoted from the bible about certain sections of society that will not enter heaven unless they REPENT. He was sacked from his football career and at present is being hounded because he wrote on Facebook that Australia needed to repent because God’s Hand of Grace cannot remain on the land while sin abounds. Sadly he quoted our dreadful fire events as an example of God not being pleased with the nation. What he said was true but the timing was probably insensitive. Regarding the churches around the world. Not many of them are preaching about Heaven and Hell. (they are not allowed…..vitriolic criticism). Its almost a watered down gospel. Where everyone will go happily to heaven no matter how sinful they have been down here.
God’s people particularly must walk the narrow way of integrity, following the Word and the Shepherd and maintain the TRUTH of what the Word says. Blessings!
Thanks for taking time for this thoughtful comment. A “all is well” would only be true if it is placed in a scenario where one is speaking in faith, trust, and surrender to God. All is well in light of salvation and eternity, but troubles including losing battles, is still an earthly truth. Jesus said we will have tribulations – those are only “well” in light of his promises. Sounds like your football player was right in challenging sin and sinners, but perhaps unwise and wrong in stating the fires were an act of God pronounced because of sin. If one were to say that, would that also mean days without fire were a blessing of God because of his pleasure. I think not. Most natural disasters – as well as “good” days are caused by the natural laws of God. However, I don’t discount his using natural disasters as a time to turn man’s mind to his need for God. May God bless and direct your young man who is bold enough to challenge sin. I found myself wrong today doing something I thought was directed by God. Hopefully that mistake will not hamper my moving in ways I believe God wants me to. The issue relates to praying for a lady – my prayer was sincere but it was for the wrong person! I don’t plan to just quit praying for people just because I was wrong today – at least I hope I won’t. 😀