102 Powerful Condolence Messages to Send to Friends or Family

Dealing with loss is never easy, but sending condolence messages is an important way to show your support for the person grieving. Of course, finding the right words can be a challenge, which is why we decided to put in the work for you. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of sympathies and sentiments to send to the bereaved. We've even broken things down into categories so that you can put together the most impactful message based on the circumstances. Read on below to get started.

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Why Is It Important to Reach Out After a Loss?

Reaching out to express condolences isn't exactly the kind of communication we want to have with friends or family, but it does seem to be an inevitable happenstance. Not only that, it's an important way to show support for those going through a tough time. According to a 2016 study published in the National Library of Medicine, a condolence message provides important opportunities to recognize the pain the grieving party is in.

In fact, the gesture might even help thwart the onset of things like anxiety and depression. The study compared two groups of grieving family members. One group received a condolence letter from the physician managing their case; the other did not. "Bereaved family members in this context need help, need to be recognized, need to be supported during their bereavement," the authors note.

Researchers maintain that this type of communication can do a lot to preserve the well-being of those who have suffered a recent loss. Whether you choose to deliver in-person, over the phone, or in a sympathy card is up to you, though they did note that something immediate and handwritten is most well-received. Giving gifts, stopping by, and continuing to check in are also great ways to show your continued support.

Condolence Messages for Friends or Colleagues

1. Sending over my sincere condolences. Know that I am with you today, tomorrow, and always.
2. My thoughts are with you and your grieving family during this time. May all the loving memories carry us through.
3. Writing you to express my deepest condolences. I'm here to support you in any way I can.
4. I am extremely sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing you have so many beautiful memories to hold onto. Let them comfort you in the days ahead.
5. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family during this sad time. May the memories of [name] forever bring you peace.
6. Sending my sincere sympathy and love to you and your family. May [name] rest in peace.
7. We are deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this challenging time.
8. A wonderful person will be forever missed. Sending our sincerest sympathy to the bereaved family.
9. May the precious memories of [name] bring comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies are with you.
10. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending love and support to you and yours.
11. Words fall short of expressing our condolences, but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time.
12. Sending our sympathies to you and your family members as we remember the amazing person you have lost. May their soul rest in peace.
13. Just a phone call away, we stand with you during this grieving time. Our most sincere condolences to you and your family.
14. May the wonderful memories of [name] bring comfort to you in the days ahead. Our sympathy and support are with you.
15. All our fond memories of [name] will forever be cherished. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
16. With gratitude, we remember the incredible life that has now passed. Sending our sincerest sympathy to the grieving family.
17. We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May [name] now find peace and rest.
18. On a personal note, please know that we are here for you in your time of need. Sending our sympathy and support.
19. So many lives have been touched by the beautiful soul that has now passed. Sending sympathy and love your way.
20. No more death, only happy memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sending our sincerest condolences.
21. We hope that the love and support of those around you will fill you with comfort during this tragic time.
22. Sending our most sincere condolences during this difficult time. May [name]'s soul rest in peace.
23. Our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. May all the memories of [name] bring you peace and comfort.
24. Words can't take away the pain, but we hope our sympathy and support will help in this challenging time. Sending our condolences.
25. We send our sincerest condolences and support to the grieving person and their family during this difficult time.
26. Please know that we are here for you. Sending our sympathy and love to you and your family members.
27. We send our deepest sympathies and love to you and your family during this sad time. May [name] live in your memories forever.
28. We hope these few words of condolence will bring comfort to the grieving family. Our sympathy and support are with you.

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Short Condolence Messages

29. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
30. Sending love and strength to my dear friend during this trying time.
31. You and [name] are in my thoughts and heart.
32. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
33. Thinking of you and sending love and support.
34. Sending over my most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
35. May your cherished memories of [name] comfort you in these dark days.
36. With deepest sympathy and love.
37. Sending you all my love during this difficult time.
38. Thinking of you and holding you in my heart.
39. Sending you hugs and comforting thoughts.
40. With sympathy, understanding, and all my love.
41. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
42. Sending you lots of love and support today.
43. Thinking of you and holding you close in my thoughts.
44. With deepest sympathy and love for you and your family.
45. Sending you warm thoughts and condolences during this time of grief.
46. Thinking of you and sending you all my love and support.
47. With love and understanding during this difficult time.
48. You are not alone, I am here for you.
49. My heart aches for you and [name].
50. Sending you love and comforting thoughts during this trying time.
51. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I am here for you.

Condolence Messages for a Parental Loss

52. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your [mom/dad] will always hold a special place in your heart.
53. Please know that I am here for you during this difficult time.
54. I am sending you love, strength, and comfort during this trying time.
55. Your [mom/dad] was a wonderful person who will be deeply missed.
56. May you find comfort in the memories you shared with your [mom/dad].
57. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
58. You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
59. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Your [mom/dad] will always be remembered fondly. May they rest in peace.
60. May you find peace in the knowledge that your [mom/dad] is now at rest.
61. Your [mom/dad] was a truly remarkable person and will be greatly missed by all who knew [her/him].
62. Let the happy memories of your [mom/dad] bring you comfort in the days ahead.
63. Your [mom/dad] touched so many lives and will always be remembered with love.
64. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, I'm just a phone call away.
65. May the love and support of those around you provide comfort during this trying time.
66. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
67. Your [mom/dad] was a special person and will be missed by so many.
68. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you.
69. I am here for you and your family if you need anything, no matter what.
70. Your [mom/dad] was a shining light and will be deeply missed by all who knew them.
71. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your [mom/dad] is now at peace.
72. You and your family are in my thoughts. Sending you all my love and much strength.
73. May the memories of your [mom/dad] bring a smile to your face during these dark days.
74. Please know that you are not alone during this trying time.
75. Your [mom/dad] was such a special person who will always be remembered with love.
76. We love you. Try to find comfort in the knowledge that your [mom/dad] is now in a better place.
77. You and your family are in my thoughts. Sending you much love, strength, and comfort.
78. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you during this difficult time.
79. Your [mom/dad] was a wonderful person. They will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Religious Condolence Messages

80. May God's love and comfort surround you during this difficult time.
81. I pray that God's peace and grace will fill your heart during this time of loss.
82. May God's strength sustain you as you grieve the loss of [name].
83. I offer my heartfelt condolences and pray that God's love will bring you comfort.
84. May God's grace be with you as you navigate this difficult time.
85. I pray that you will feel the comforting embrace of God's love during this trying time.
86. May God's peace and comfort be upon you and your family at this time.
87. I offer my condolences and pray that God's love will bring you comfort and peace.
88. May God's strength sustain you and give you the comfort you need during this difficult time.
89. I pray that God's grace will be a source of comfort and healing for you and your family.
90. May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time.
91. May God's comfort and strength guide you as you grieve the loss of [name].
92. I pray that you will feel the comforting presence of God during this trying time.
93. May God's grace and love surround you as you navigate the days ahead.
94. I offer my heartfelt condolences and pray that God's peace will fill your heart.
95. May the love of God be with you during this difficult time and always.
96. I pray that God's comfort and strength will get you through this difficult time.
97. May God's grace and love be a source of comfort and healing for you and your family.
98. I offer my condolences and pray that you will feel the peace of God during this difficult time.
99. May God's comfort be upon you as you grieve the loss of [name].
100. I pray that God's love and peace will be with you and your family today.
101. I offer my heartfelt condolences and pray that you will find comfort and peace in God.
102. I pray that you will feel the comforting presence of God's love and peace as you grieve.

Wrapping Up

That's it for our list of condolence messages, but be sure to check back in with us soon! Best Life is committed to helping you find the right words for every occasion. Sign up for our newsletter to enjoy similar kinds of content, as well as hit pieces on health, entertainment, and travel.