Sympathy letters
Writing a sympathy letter
When someone you love is grieving, it is hard to know what to say, and easy to say nothing for fear of saying the wrong thing. A short letter that arrives in the post tells them they are not forgotten. It does not have to be eloquent. It has to be kind, and it has to be yours.
Below are verses that have comforted people for centuries, a sample to start from, and a few things worth knowing before you write.
Postage included. Sealed in red wax.
Verses for a sympathy letter
All from the King James Bible, and all from the verses we print. When you write, we suggest verses that fit the occasion and the feeling you choose, and you pick the one that sounds right.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Short and gentle. It names their sorrow without explaining it away.
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
For when the loss is fresh and they feel alone in it.
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
A quiet promise of healing, without rushing them toward it.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
For someone whose hope rests in heaven. Longer, and best on its own.
A sample letter
Every line here is one our letters really use. It is only a starting point: you can change every line except the verse.
THE DOVE LETTER
Faith · Encouragement · A Brighter Tomorrow
My dear friend,
There is nothing I can say that makes this lighter. I am sorry.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
I am here. No need to answer this.
Thinking of you,
Emily
What to write
- If you knew the person who died, use their name. Grieving people often say hearing it is a comfort, not a hurt.
- Share one memory, even a small one. A laugh, a kindness, something they always said.
- Offer one specific kind of help, such as a meal on Thursday or a ride to an appointment, rather than “let me know if you need anything.”
- Tell them they do not need to reply. It lifts a weight they did not ask for.
What to avoid
- “Everything happens for a reason” or “God needed another angel.” Meant kindly, these can wound.
- Comparing their loss to one of your own. Keep the letter about them and the person they have lost.
- Hurrying them toward feeling better. Grief has no deadline.
- Worrying that it is too late. A letter weeks or months later, when the cards have stopped, can mean the most.
How it works for a sympathy letter
When you choose “They have lost someone”, we offer only a gentle or a direct tone. A cheerful sympathy letter should not exist, so we never offer one.
You can change every line of the letter except the verse. If you would rather hand it over in person, we can post it to your home instead.
Posted the same or next business day. USPS typically delivers in 2 to 5 days, though this is not guaranteed.
Write your letter
Answer three questions and your letter appears as you go. Change any line, then we seal it and post it.
- Your letter
- A pastor's note
- A small step for today
- A surprise gift
Letters for other occasions
- Letters of encouragementFor someone going through a hard season, and verses that strengthen.
- Get well lettersWhat to write to someone who is sick, and verses for healing and rest.
- Birthday lettersVerses that celebrate a life, and ideas for making it personal.
- Thank-you lettersHow to say thank you so it is felt, with verses on gratitude.