What to Write in a Sympathy Card

By Jamie Pritscher · Feb 05, 2020

Words of Sympathy for Loss of Loved One

It can be hard to know what to say when someone you care for loses a loved one. Whether you'd like to offer words of sympathy for the loss of a mother, father, husband, wife, sibling or even a pet, these condolence messages might help you express your sadness and support.

Words of sympathy are simply meant to offer comfort and show that you care; they do not have to make the loss any less difficult. Reminding the person grieving that you care for and support them in this trying time is all that your condolence message need do.

Consider your relation to the person you're sending your words of sympathy to as well as what you think they would appreciate. These are the two factors that your message should address.

Again, however, it is important to remember that you do not have to agonize over your message. The gesture of sending a sympathy card is often enough of a comfort to the person grieving.

If you would also like to send a gift with your sympathy card, we have created a gift guide of sympathy gifts that give back to various causes and charities and accommodate different price ranges, too. But let's begin with what to write in a sympathy card.

Short Words of Sympathy

Sometimes, if you're not sure how to comfort someone, a few short words of sympathy are enough to show you care. The sympathy messages below will comfort someone dealing with a difficult loss.

I'm so very sorry for your loss.
I'd like to give you my heartfelt condolences.
Thinking of you in these difficult times.
You and [name of deceased] are always in my heart.
It is so unfair that [name of deceased] is gone.
Keeping you in my thoughts.

Sympathy Card Message Idea

Long Sympathy Messages

You might have a lot to say to someone grieving, so here are some suggested words of sympathy, separated by intended purpose. You can combine several of these sympathetic phrases to create a longer message or use them as inspiration for your own words of sympathy.

Condolence Messages

These phrases, very similar to the words of sympathy above, convey your care for the grieving person and are a good way to begin your condolence message.

I was so sad to hear [name of deceased] had passed.
It is deeply sad that [name of deceased] is gone.
I've been keeping you in my thoughts.
This must be very difficult for you, and I am so sorry.
It is truly unfair that [name of deceased] is gone.
My deepest, most heartfelt condolences are with you and your family.
You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sympathy Card Message Idea

Showing Appreciation of the Deceased

If you knew the deceased well, these are some ways to convey that you care about not only the person grieving, but also the one that they lost.

[name of deceased] will always be in my heart.
[name of deceased] was truly the [kindest, funniest, bravest, etc.] soul.
I will never forget how [funny, kind, brave, etc.] [name of deceased] was.
I will never forget the time [comforting memory].
This world has truly lost a beautiful soul. [name of deceased] was one of the [kindest, funniest, bravest, etc.] people I have ever met.
[name of deceased]'s [kindness, humor, bravery, etc.] will never be forgotten.

Sympathy Card Message Idea

Offers of Support

Sometimes, you'd like the person grieving to know that you are there for them. Here are some suggested words of sympathy that convey your support.

If there's anything I can do, anything at all, please let me know.
If you'd like to pray together sometime, let me know.
I'm always willing to watch the kids if you need a break.
If you need me to come over and cook or clean or anything, please just say the words.
I'm here for you, always. Let me know if I can do anything to help.

Sympathy Card Message Idea

Comforting Conclusion

These sentiments may be helpful in ending your condolence messages.

You are in my thoughts and prayers,
My deepest sympathy,
Again, I'm so very sorry for your loss,
If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know,
I love you,

Religious Sympathy Messages

Religion often provides comforting words of sympathy for those dealing with a difficult loss. It is important to consider who you're sending your sympathy card to, though, because different people will appreciate religious words of sympathy to different extents.

We've included religious sympathy messages from the three largest religions in the United States, but if you know that the person you're sending this sympathy card to believes in a different religion, we encourage you to send them comforting words from their own belief system. The consideration and thoughtfulness of the gesture is sure to be equally as comforting as the words of sympathy.

Christian Sympathy Messages

Christianity is the most practiced religion in the United States, so these are some Christian words of sympathy that might help someone grieving.

Psalms 18:28: For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness
Psalms 34:18: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit
Isaiah 57:1-2: The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.
Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jewish Words of Sympathy

Here are some Jewish words of sympathy that might provide comfort to those grieving a loss.

Psalm 34:19: Adonai is close to the brokenhearted, and helps those crushed in spirit.
Psalm 21:1-3: I lift my eyes to the mountains; What is the source of my help? My help comes from Adonai, Maker of heaven and earth. God will not let your foot give way; your Protector will not slumber
Psalm 103:16-18: The days of mortals are like grass; We flourish as the flowers of the field. A wind passes over them and they are not more; And no one can recognize where they grew. But Adonai’s compassion is everlasting
Ecclesiastes 3:1-6: For everything there is a season, a time for every experience under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted, A time to tear down and a time to build up, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to grieve and a time to dance

Jewish Sympathy Card Message Idea

Islamic Condolence Messages

If the person you are sending your words of sympathy to is a Muslim, these are some condolence messages that they might appreciate.

We surely belong to Allah and to Him we shall return
May He make [his/her] grave a place of comfort and light
May Almighty Allah dwell him in Jannataul-Firdaus, the most beautiful paradise
All that is on earth will perish, but the face of your Lord will abide forever, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honor(Qur'an Surah Rahman; 55:26-27)

General Religious Sympathy Messages

If you aren't sure exactly what religion the person grieving believes in but you would like to say religious words of sympathy, these aren't specific to any religion and will likely show this person that you care.

I'm praying that God's light and love shines on you in your grief.

My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
God's love and grace are with you in this difficult time.
You and your loved ones will be in my prayers.
May [his/her] memory be a blessing.

Sympathy Card Message Idea

Though nothing can truly take away the pain of losing a loved one, knowing that there are friends and family who care about you is a comfort. That is the true purpose of condolence messages and sympathy cards.