But if truth be told, probably the majority my "good mornings" to friends and colleagues had nothing to do with sincerely wishing/hoping/giving them "good" mornings, or that it even was a good "morning", but mere salutations as expected in our western culture.
I would venture that many of us in our "God bless yous...." do the same, as part of our casual (ie. without faith thought or consideration) "spiritual" salutation among the brethren. Doesn't that somehow 'cheapen' and (and to an extent take in vain simultaneously) the "God" and the "bless" part?
That's the reason that it is actually uncommon for me to tell someone "God bless you". It's not something I have consciously done though, it just stems from my faith. I only say it when I mean it. I've actually had sneezers question me about why I didn't say it to them, as if I had failed in my Christian duty somehow. In which case I just apologize and go on to ask God to truely bless them.
One thing I have purposely done is to never tell someone I will pray for them without stopping right that moment to do so, or as in the case of say a phone conversation, doing nothing after hanging up until I have prayed. Now that I've typed that out, it sounds kind of legalistic, but it is really just a result of my sometimes questionable memory and my own awareness of it.
We "bless" because God has already "blessed". Offering a blessing to someone is an act of faith. You allow the Blesser on the inside of you to bless another. Just like you allow the Giver on the inside of you to give to another. Or you allow the Healer on the inside of you to heal another.
MYSELF? I was thinking just today: Why not say it like Paul said it in many of his letters to the saints? He said, "Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Or just "grace and peace unto you."
I always MEAN God bless you when I say that to someone, but I welcome this little change. I tried it this morning in our greetings part of the assembly, and it was well received - that is, appreciatively.
You know, occasionally I experience strange coincidences ...
I was at the Christian book store last Saturday and I happen to see this book title by a well known author:
God Bless You: How to Give and Receive Blessings by Elmer Towns
I breezed through it real quick, but it seemed like Towns was dealing with this very topic that you guys are discussing. I found that this book is also being sold on Amazon.com:
I didn't buy the book but may purchase it in the future.
Elmer Towns is not what I consider WoF (he's a Baptist) but he does believe a lot of things like "Positive Confession" (he wrote a book titled "Say-It Faith" which can be downloaded for free from his webpage.
Towns is a close ministerial associate of Jerry Falwell.
__________________ Let the Scriptures Determine Your Theology, Do Not Read Your Theology into Scripture.
By the way, Amazon.com has a description of Elmer Towns book for those interested but too lazy to click on the link I provided:
Every Christian would like the Church to have a much stronger and more positive impact. Elmer L. Towns says the best way to make that happen is to repeat three little words--God bless you--to help others fulfill God's plan for their lives. It's true isn't it? When we focus on blessing others, we are, in turn, blessed by God. Now suppose we all resolve to bless others instead of curse them. The positive possibilities are limitless-and the impact can be life changing for all concerned! Towns spells out what it really means to bless somebody and how easy it is to add value to another's life. He shows you the difference between natural and spiritual blessings-and gives you several ways to bless others that will surprise you. It only takes two seconds to tell someone "God bless you." Yet, in that time, you share a uniquely caring, compassionate and uplifting message-and are abundantly blessed in return!
__________________ Let the Scriptures Determine Your Theology, Do Not Read Your Theology into Scripture.
Okay, I took control of your mouse and moved it down for you. Is that better?
Can I get you some cyber coffee and crumpets before I click on another thread for you?
Well.......ok, then I guess. I'm just so tired from clicking on all these links.......sigh........ You'll have to drink the coffee and eat the crumpets though. I'm just too tired and lazy. ROFL
OK enough sillyness. Back to the OP. Do we say God Bless You even if it's not in any way sincere, or no?
My sister once told me that in some of her social circles she has heard it used as a way of saying all manner of horrible things about a person without sounding like a jerk. Such as "You know the pastor is a real idiot......God bless his little heart" or "You know that new lady is a real strumpet.....God bless her". I instantly recognized having heard it used in just that fashion.
God Bless You? 
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