15+ Ways to Give Spiritual Condolences

Co-authored by Lia Huynh, LMFT and Madeleine Flamiano

Last Updated: July 4, 2022

Spiritual messages tell a bereaved person that they’re in your heart. If someone has passed on and made their transition to Heaven, there are many beautiful words of condolences that you can share. Here, we'll provide quotes, prayers, and lines of Scripture that you can say out loud or write down. Read these touching examples to know exactly what to say spiritually when someone dies. You'll provide support to a person in need.

1

"My deepest sympathy and condolences. I know God will guide your deceased loved one’s soul to Heaven."

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Share warm and heartfelt words of compassion, then praise the Lord’s plan for their loved one. You’ll remind them that the person they cherished is in your Savior's sanctuary.^{[1]
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2

"I wish you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Please remember that you’ll always be in my prayers."

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Focus on the power of prayer and remind them that the Lord responds to our pleas. Also, let them know that you’ll call out to God on their behalf to wish for their healing.

3

"I'm heartbroken by this loss. Your loved one was a blessing from the Lord, and we all have fond memories of them."

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Embrace them and open up about your favorite moments with the dearly departed. When you share heartwarming times, you’ll tell the mourner that the person they loved lives on.^{[2]
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4

"From the bottom of my heart, I believe your loved one is looking down on you from Paradise."

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When the bereaved feel as though they have lost touch with those they love the most, tell them that the deceased are with Christ. Speak about your faith and how you truly believe that those who have passed on are right above us in Paradise.^{[3]
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5

“Their soul is in eternal peace. Here on Earth, we must reach out to our Savior for solace. I’m wishing for your healing.”

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Express understanding for their sorrow as well as solidarity for the difficult emotions we must all face while we’re on Earth. Remind them that the Lord is merciful and watches over all His children.

6

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

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Acknowledge their anguish, but remind them that any heartache they’re going through is temporary. Share a beautiful Psalm that speaks about God’s glory and his all-powerful ability to heal even the most profound emotional wounds.^{[4]
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7

“Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice.” (John 16:22)

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When someone has lost a person they treasured and held dear, they may fear that they’ll never speak with the deceased again. Comfort them and remind them that the Creator made Heaven so they can reunite with those they love.

8

“For they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels.” (Luke 20:36)

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Luke 20:36 is a beautiful line of Scripture to share because it rejoices in God’s glory and the gift of eternal life that he grants his followers. Embrace the bereaved and tell them that their loved one is now a being of light in Heaven.

9

“Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.” (Lamentations 3:32)

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Read a hopeful line from the Book of Lamentations to discuss how God shows compassion even in the most challenging times. Then, express your own care and concern for the mourner.

10

“God is guiding me to assist you. I am here for you to lean on.”

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Remind them that their emotional honesty is a gift that you cherish. Then, invite the bereaved to seek you out whenever they need support or to share their struggles. Finally, thank them for speaking their truth, even during hard times.

11

“Our church has you in our hearts. We are ready to come over with home-cooked meals and any other assistance you need.”

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Encourage them not to isolate themselves and speak about all the people who care about them. Offer up different ways their loved ones would like to ease their troubles as much as they can.

12

“Never hesitate to reach out. Grief has no time limit, and our community is always on your side."

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Tell them that you have no expectations for when or how they'll work through their grief. Say that their confidantes and their Creator will always embrace them as they cope with this chapter of their life.

13

“There is no pain like losing a parent. May our Holy Father watch over you. Our community is here for you.”

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When an individual loses a guardian, they may feel confused and overwhelmed. Reassure them that Christ is their shepherd and won’t lead them astray. Then, tell them their community will protect them.

14

"It’s heartbreaking to be separated from a child. I know their soul is up in Heaven. May the Lord grant you strength.”

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When a person loses their child, it’s a shocking and sorrowful event. All parents want to know their beloved child is taken care of, so remind them that their soul is in God’s hands.

15

“I'm saddened by the passing of your beloved sibling. The Maker of Heaven and Earth will reunite you both.”

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Open your heart to this individual and express sympathy for the unique pain of living on without their sibling. Speak about the Lord’s glory and his divine plan to reunite family members in Heaven.

16

"I just received the painful news. My heart aches for you. I wish your family peace and healing as you process this loss.”

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Whether they’ve lost a cousin, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, grandparent, or any other family member, this kind message acknowledges their grief. Remind them that the Lord and their loved ones will support them through this time.

17

“We’ll all remember your partner’s generosity and beautiful heart. May God guide you and surround you with love.”

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Hold them in your heart as they grieve the person they shared their life with and celebrate all the wonderful traits of this individual. Reassure them that they’ll still experience love from their friends and the Lord as they cope with their loss.

18

“Your friend has ascended to Heaven with the angels. I know you’ll walk in the Lord’s light here on Earth.”

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If they’ve lost a close companion or their best friend, tell them that the Lord will not abandon them and will provide loyal supporters. You’ll express your solidarity and encourage them to bond with others.

Join the Discussion...

What should I say to someone when their loved one dies?

Michaela Hudson
Grief Counselor

Most of the time a person that's going through grief just wants a safe space to express themselves. I'd offer them a chance to share what they're feeling and let them know that you're there for them anytime they need. Tell them, "It's okay not to feel okay."