Sympathy Messages from Southern Living

Knowing what to write in a sympathy card, or what to say during life’s most tragic and hard times, can be difficult. This list of short messages, prayers, and quotes is a great place to start.

NOTE: This list was compiled by Southern Living and the original article can be found here.

 

What to Say When Someone Dies

1. Deepest sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss.
2. Sending you positive thoughts and lots of prayers.
3. You’re in my thoughts. Let me know if I can help with anything.
4. There are no words to convey how terrible this is. You are in my prayers.
5. Sending you all the good vibes I can.
6. I’m available for grocery deliveries, kid pickups, babysitting, making dinner—whatever you need.
7. There’s no wrong way to grieve. You’re doing it beautifully, although I hate that you have to do it.
8. I’m here if you need me.
9. Lean on me; I’m happy to be your shoulder to cry on.
10. Wishing you all the peace and comfort possible.
11. Warm thoughts for you on these chilly, lonely nights.
12. When you are ready, I am here for you.
13. I’m praying every day for your comfort and for you to be able to find joy again. I love you.
14. Please know that however you’re feeling right now—sad, numb, guilty, tired, angry—it’s normal. There’s no right way to feel. I love you and am so sad that you’re going through this.
15. I want to be present for you, but I don’t know how. Please know I’m thinking of you and praying for you, and if there’s anything else I can do, don’t hesitate to let me know.
16. I usually get up at the crack of dawn to go for my run—if you’re overcome by grief and want to talk about it one of these mornings, please know that you can call me, even if the sun’s not up yet! I know that grief doesn’t wait for “business hours.”
17. You know that I’m always up until at least midnight—please know that you can give me a call if you need to talk to someone, even if it’s super late. And if you don’t want to talk and just want to know there’s another person on the other end of the line, that’s okay, too.

Short Condolences Messages

18. Our hearts are breaking for you
19. With sympathy and well wishes
20. Wishing you comfort during this dark time
21. With sympathy and love
22. In memoriam
23. With all our love
24. We are so sorry for your loss
25. Our prayers and thoughts are with you
26. We will always remember
27. In celebration of a beautiful life
28. I usually get up at the crack of dawn to go for my run—if you’re overcome by grief and want to talk about it one of these mornings, please know that you can call me, even if the sun’s not up yet! I know that grief doesn’t wait for “business hours.”
29. You know that I’m always up until at least midnight—please know that you can give me a call if you need to talk to someone, even if it’s super late. And if you don’t want to talk and just want to know there’s another person on the other end of the line, that’s okay, too.

Sympathy Quotes

30. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” — Helen Keller
31. “Grief is the price we pay for love.” — Queen Elizabeth II
32. “Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity.” — Mother Teresa
33. “It is not length of life, but depth of life.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
34. “End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The gray rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
35. “Unable are the Loved to die/ For Love is Immortality.” — Emily Dickinson, Poem 809
36. “There is love in holding and there is love in letting go.” — Elizabeth Berg
37. “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” — Gandhi Mahatma

Condolences Prayers

38. The Lord your God is with you, and he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. — Zephaniah 3:17
39. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28-30
40. Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record? — Psalm 56:8
41. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken. — Psalm 62:1-2
42. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10
43. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. — Job 23:10
44. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. — Psalm 29:11
45. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. — Psalm 55:22
46. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. — Isaiah 45:3
47. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. — Jeremiah 33:3
48. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. — Isaiah 43:2-3a
49. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him. — Lamentations 3: 21-24
50. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. — 2 Corinthians 1: 3-5

Sympathy Messages for Loss of Mother

51. I’m so sorry that you’ve lost someone who you and your family loved so much.
52. Her legacy lives on in you; you are a beautiful person, spouse, parent, and friend.
53. I’m sure you made your mother so proud; I’m sorry her light is gone from your life.
54. I know this is a loss that hits you so deeply. You are a wonderful mother, and I know the grief at losing your own mom must be so difficult to navigate.
55. I loved your mother’s smile and her welcoming personality. I can’t believe she’s gone; I’m so sorry for your loss.
56. Your stories of your mother make it clear that she was a warm and welcoming person. I see that spirit live on in you, and I’m so sorry you have to suffer through this time.
57. I know this Mother’s Day is very difficult for you. I wanted you to know that I’m remembering your mother today, as I’m sure you are. If you’d like to grab a coffee and share memories about her, I’m available.

Sympathy Messages for Loss of Father

58. He was a rock for all of us, but I know he was even more than that for you. I’m so sorry for your loss.
59. His influence is obvious in the way you parent and the way you live your life. You are your father’s legacy, and he must have been so proud of you.
60. I know you feel unmoored and so sad right now; if there’s anything I can do to help you, your mother, or your family with household tasks, paperwork, or errands, please let me know.
61. I can’t believe he’s gone, and I know the shock is even greater for you. I hope memories of the happy times you had together can be of some comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
62. Your father had such an amazing laugh! He was always so happy to put everyone at ease with a joke or a hug. I’m so sad for you and sorry such a wonderful person is gone.
63. I always love hearing your stories of you and your dad—I know he was a larger-than-life presence in your life, and that you loved him very much. I’m so sorry he’s gone. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you and your family.
64. I know this Father’s Day must be very hard for you since you lost your dad earlier this year. Please know that I’m thinking about you and your family and praying for you today in particular.

Sympathy Messages for Loss of a Child

65. The world has taken your most precious love, and my heart is broken for you. We are praying for you and love you.
66. The phrase “there are no words” seems like the only thing that fits right now. I cannot fathom what you’re going through, but I love you and am thinking of you.
67. Life seems incredibly cruel and arbitrary right now; I cannot find meaning in what has happened. I love you and will be thinking of you and praying for you. If I can do anything more, please let me know how I can help.
68. I cannot imagine how awful and bleak your world looks right now. I’m praying that hope and comfort flood your life during this dark time.
69. This is the most awful thing that could have happened, and I cannot believe that it happened to you, such a wonderful person. It’s unfair and horrible, and I’m so sorry.

Sympathy Messages for Loss of Husband or Wife

70. I have so many happy memories of the two of you; if you ever want to reminisce about the happy times, I’ll come over … and I’ll bring wine.
71. I know your heart is broken and your life has turned inside out. I love you and am praying for you.
72. You’ve lost your life partner and your love. Nothing can replace him. I certainly can’t, but I can bring you groceries. I will do anything and everything that you need.
73. I wish there were more I could do to heal your broken heart, but I cannot. I can help organize files, make phone calls on your behalf, and help you sort through the logistics and awful paperwork that comes from losing a spouse—I’m available to help in that way if you need me.
74. I cannot imagine how much you are hurting right now; I know the road ahead of you is long, and I will walk with you along it as much as I can.
75. You’ve lost your other half, and you feel incomplete and lost. I hate that you have to suffer through this; I love you and will be here for you whenever you need me.

Sympathy Messages for Loss of Sister

76. I cannot imagine the depth of this loss for you; your family is broken and will never be the same. Please know that I’m thinking of you and hoping for healing wherever it is possible.
77. I love you, and I know she loved you, too. I’m so sorry that the world, and your family, in particular, has lost such a bright light.
78. You shared so many memories with your sister, and I hope those can be bright for you during this time. If you’d ever like to share remembrances together about her, I’d love that.
79. She meant so much to all of us, but I know that she meant the most to you. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you and your family during this dark time.
80. I didn’t know your sister, but I’d like to know more about her. If you ever want to remember her or share, I would like to hear about who she was and your times together.
81. I wish I had the right words, but I just don’t. Just know that I care, and I want to help in any way I can.
82. I don’t know how you feel, and I won’t pretend to. But I do love you, and if there’s anything I can do for you right now, I’m happy to do it.

Sympathy Messages for Loss of Brother

83. The world has lost a good man, and you have lost a brother. This is a loss for all of us, but the grief and sorrow that you feel are the deepest and most poignant and personal. Please reach out if there’s any way we can help.
84. I cannot imagine a world without your brother, and I know you can’t either. The memories of him will always be with us, and I was so thankful to know him. I know your heart is breaking now; if there’s anything I can do, please let me know.
85. I didn’t know your brother well, but I know that you loved him. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I hope you’ll reach out if there’s anything I can do.

 

NOTE: This list was compiled by Southern Living and the original article can be found here.

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Author: Julie Singco | Contact Us
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