Can we say “God bless,” or “God speed” to anybody? Or only to likeminded brethren? What do these words mean? Apostle John teaches us in 2 John 10-11: " 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."

The church, in Apostle John’s time, met in the homes of believers for worship, prayer and Bible Study. This was common in the time of the Apostles. Those were gatherings of believers for spiritual activities such as worship, prayer and Bible Study. The term “this doctrine” refers to the doctrine of Jesus Christ which defines their faith in Jesus Christ Himself. The word “receive” is more than the welcome of anyone into the church. The church must only accept those who believe and abide in the doctrine of Christ. Surely all (including unbelievers) are welcome to visit the church, hear the gospel preached, and find out more about the Christian faith. The door must always be kept opened for them to come in. However, the admission to church membership and into God’s family has one important requirement: the abiding in the doctrine of Christ. This is the meaning of the word “receive” that we must note.

Many churches today have compromised and have loosely received into membership anyone who simply professed Christ as his Lord and Saviour, but who do not understand the doctrine of Christ. But Apostle John was very clear as to how we are to deal with those who do not hold to the same doctrine of Christ. We are not to “receive” them or accept them into our church membership. We may welcome them to continue to come and hear the Word of God. This opportunity must be given to them. But to accept them into church membership and admit them as part of the church and family of God is a total different matter altogether.

Those in the light cannot be in fellowship with those in darkness because they have nothing in common in the spiritual sense of the word. As such, we are not to bid unbelievers “God speed” or even “God bless.” “God speed” means God bless you and be with you. God will not be with those in darkness. God will not be unto them as would a father be towards his children. He will stand as a judge against them. God is serious with this. It is so serious that John says in verse 11, “For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” Why was John so harsh? The reason is that God wants us to be clear as to where we stand. And this stand must not be compromised. To compromise is to be partakers of evil. For those who are godless, they are godless. To say “God bless you” to them is to mislead them, and it can be a stumbling block to them from knowing the light and truth.

Therefore, in our greetings, we must mean what we say. “God bless you” carries with it a serious, spiritual implication. If God is serious about it, how can I take it lightly? May God help us to greet one another “God bless” or “God speed” with understanding. Surely this greeting is not for unbelievers or those who do not hold to the doctrine of Christ faithfully. This greeting is only for likeminded brethren of the same faith. May God help us. Amen.