Sympathy Verses, Quotes & Poems
Words of Comfort & Hope for Bereaved Friends or Relations

Sympathy verses to help you with that so-difficult-to-write bereavement message inside your condolence card for a bereaved friend or relation.

Here's a whole collection of these words of comfort to choose from. This compilation of verses, quotes and poems for this difficult time is here because I, myself, had spent time searching frantically for wordings to include in my handmade With Sympathy card. So I decided that I would have these bereavement words readily available for myself and others who need them fast.

sympathy verses/Too Beautiful For EarthToo Beautiful for Earth


For example, someone we know died and a sympathy card is bought or made and ready to be send to the bereaved family. But something is missing. We need to include a message inside the card and we just do not know what to say.

Well, this is where this page of bereavement verses will be helpful to you. Use these verses for sympathy cards here to help you add that personalized message of encouragement to those loved ones who are grieving and deeply feeling the lost of a loved one.

Some of these sympathy verses were contributed by wonderful readers of this cardmaking site.

You can shed tears that he is gone 

Or you can smile because he lived 

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back 

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left 

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him 

Or you can be full of the love you shared 

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday 

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday 

You can remember him and only that he has gone 

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on 

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back 

Or you can do what he would want: 

smile, open your eyes, love and go on 


~ contributed by Marilyn Taylor (UK)

The clouds may cover the sky today, 

but the love that shone through your loved one 

whilst on earth will shine for all eternity 

through the clouds from heaven above 

and fill you with warmth and light again. 


~ contributed by Sheila Morgan (UK)


----------------


Thinking of you and praying for you at this time of loss. 

Although we did not know your loved one, 

we do know you, and therefore grieve with you.


With much love and prayers, (signature) 


~ contributed by Julia Keirns (USA)

This is the first page of comforting words, quotes and poems for your condolence cards. The second page of bereavement verses can be found by clicking here.

I hope that these two pages of sympathy cards verses will be a great help to you in writing that so-difficult-to-express words for your condolence cards.

Sympathy Verses

With Our Sincere Sympathy. 

May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one touched the lives of so many others and gave them the gift of many happy memories.

Although no words can really help 
to ease the loss you bear, 
just know that you are very close 
in every thought and prayer.

May God light your way and give you comfort.



May the love of those around you 

help you through the days ahead.


Please don't cry or grieve for me, I've not gone very far - 

I've stepped into a lovely room and left the door ajar. 

~ contributed by Carol Wilcox (UK)

In Deepest Sympathy! 

My thoughts and prayers are with you.


God takes our loved one's from our homes, 

but never from our hearts. 

~ contributed by James Reid (UK)

It's hard to know what to say, except that you are thought of in friendship and in sympathy.

We have to go through bad times in life to get to the better times, so remember it takes rain to make beautiful rainbows and just hold on in there! 

~ contributed by Justin James

More Sympathy Verses

May happy memories of your loved one 

help bring you through this sad time. 

~ contributed by Julie Rule (Australia)

Hoping your treasured memories 

bring you comfort day by day.

I wish I knew what to say 

to make things better 

but sometimes words 

just aren't enough.

Into each life some rain must fall 

but sunshine does appear. 

It brings with it a rainbow 

and a message that is clear. 

Please know that you are not alone 

that we all hold you dear 

Let faith and hope into your heart 

and keep your memories near.

May happy memories of your loved one help bring you through this sad time. 

~ contributed by Alexandre Ntshielol (Congo)

I don't doubt that you can do it alone, 

but why should you have to? 

I'm here for you 

just as you've been there for me.

It's hard to know what to say, 

except that you are thought of 

in friendship and in sympathy.

Keeping you in our prayers, 

and trusting that God will bring you 

comfort in the days ahead.

Gone from our sight 

but never from our memories 

or our hearts. 

He shall be greatly missed.

I know your life is tough right now... 

and I wanted to say 

that I'm thinking of you 

with love and support.

It will be the little things you remember, 

the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter. 

And although it may seem hard right now, 

it will be the memories of these little things 

that help push away the pain 

and bring the smiles back again.

Know that the Lord 

has welcomed your loved one 

into His home in Heaven. 

In Warmest Sympathy.

More Sympathy Verses For Your Bereavement Cards

Below are a collection of Sympathy Verses that Wendy Banker from USA had compiled and sent to me to be included here.

A little hug to say, "I'm sorry."

As time gently eases your grief, 

may beautiful memories restore the joy 

that has been taken from your heart.


Every exit is an entry somewhere. 

~ Tom Stoppard


God's love lights the way and turns the darkness into day.

Death leaves a heartache 

no one can heal, 

love leaves a memory 

no one can steal.

Expressing sympathy is never easy... 

All we can say is how sorry we are.

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.

Each time we embrace a memory, 

we meet again with those we love... 

for the heart never forgets. 

~ Flavia

Gently, lovingly... 

the unseen presence of God 

will surround you in your sadness.

Interesting sympathy verses, quotes and poems can be found on tombstones at graveyards. Here's one!

From a headstone in Ireland

"Do not stand by my grave and weep 

I am not there, I do not sleep. 

I am a thousand winds that blow 

I am the diamond glints on snow 

I am the sunlight on ripened grain 

I am the soft refreshing rain. 

When you awake in the morning's hush 

I am the swift uplifting rush 

of quiet birds in circled flight 

I am the stars that shine at night. 

Do not stand at my grave and cry 

I am not there, I did not die."

After some research, I found that the above poem was written by Mary Elizabeth Frye, (1905-2004) - an American woman who wrote this poem when she was consoling a young German Jewish woman who had just heard of the passing of her mother but wasn't able to be at her funeral. This happened  just before the Holocaust at a time when there was much buildup of anti-Semitism.

Below is said to be the original words for this poem which because of the repeated phrase used is referred to as "I Am".

Do not stand at my grave and weep 

I am not there, I do not sleep

I am in a thousand winds that blow

I am the softly falling snow

I am the gentle showers of rain

I am the fields of ripening grain

I am in the morning hush

I am in the graceful rush

Of beautiful birds in circling flight

I am the starshine of the night

I am in the flowers that bloom

I am in a quiet room

I am the birds that sing 

I am in each lovely thing

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not there I do not die


For a more detailed writeup about the poet, Mary Elizabeth Frye and why and how this poem was written, visit here.

Sympathy Verses for Death of a Baby

I feel for parents devastated by the death of their babies or even a still-born. Here are two sympathy verses that are for such a situation.

Although no words can really help 

To ease the loss you bear 

Just know that you are very close 

In every thought and prayer.

An angel opened up the book of life, 

to record the baby's birth, 

and whispered as she closed the book 

"Too beautiful for earth".

More Sympathy Verses

ONE OR THE OTHER


One or the other must leave, 

One or the other must stay. 

One or the other must grieve, 

That is forever the way. 

That is the vow that was sworn; 

Faithful til death do us part. 

Braving what had to be borne, 

Hiding the ache in our heart. 

One, howsoever adored, 

First must be summoned away. 

That is the will of the Lord, 

One or the other must stay. 


~ by William & Katherine Karnopp 

submitted by their grandaughter Marnae Niemann (USA)


Life brings tears, 

smiles and memories. 

The tears dry, 

the smile fades, 

but the memories 

live on forever.

May memories 

of your (insert relationship - e.g. father, mother, or use Loved One) 

be a comfort to you 

at this time.

May each new day 

ease the burden 

of your sorrow.

May it brings you solace 

to know how many lives 

have been deeply touched 

by your {loved one}.

May it comforts you to know 

that your loved one is safe 

in God's care now... 

and that friends 

are praying for you 

in your time of sorrow.

Life can be so hard sometimes 

and I'm sorry to see you hurting.

May it comforts you 

to know friends 

are thinking of you 

and remembering you 

in their prayers.

May hope sustain you, 

Friends surround you, 

And love give you strength.

May beauty live on 

in your memories 

and bring you peace. 

With Deepest Sympathy.

May the comfort 

of family and friends 

give you strength 

for today 

and the day to come.

May it helps in some way 

to know that friends 

are sharing the sorrow 

in your heart.

May these words 

of sympathy and understanding too, 

bring comfort on the loss 

of one so very dear to you.

More Sympathy Verses for Your Cards

May those beautiful yesterdays 

always remain in your heart, 

and your sorrow gently fade away.

May words of comfort 

rest gently upon your heart, 

and in time may they become 

words of healing.

May time ease the pain 

that no words can.


May you be comforted today 

by the caring thoughts 

of those around you.


May time soften the pain 

until all that remains 

is the comfort 

of memories and love.

May you find comfort 

in knowing your loved one 

is with God - 

resting in perfect peace.

Many More Sympathy Verses

May you find comfort 

in the knowledge 

that others care 

and sympathize with you.

May you find the courage 

to face tomorrow 

in the love 

that surrounds 

you today.

No matter how old we are, 

losing a mother 

is one of the deepest sorrows 

a heart can know, 

but her goodness, 

her caring 

and her wisdom 

live on... 

like a legacy of love 

that will always 

be with you.

Perhaps life is but a journey 

leading to the perfect home... 

So sorry for your loss


May you find peace 

in God's promise 

of eternal life.

Our love 

is measured 

by the pain 

we feel 

at the loss.

So sorry about your father 

Although you will miss him 

and long for his presence 

and all of the warm family times you've had... 

just try and remember 

through all your sorrow 

you have every reason to smile and be glad... 

you wouldn't be feeling exceptional sadness 

if you hadn't had an exceptional dad.

Please know how much you are loved 

and how deeply your loss is felt by all.

May you find strength 

in your faith, 

comfort in God's love, 

and peace in knowing 

your friends are praying 

for you.

May your warm memories 

give you comfort 

at this time of sorrow.

Our prayers are with you 

and it is my hope 

that you will find 

the strength and fortitude 

to heal as you mourn 

this terrible, terrible tragedy. 

Our sympathy 

and warmest thoughts 

are with you now.

Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, 

but rather openings where our loved ones 

shine down to let us know they are happy. 

~ An Eskimo Saying

More Sympathy Verses

Please know you are 

in our thoughts and prayers.

Praying for friends to comfort you, 

faith to uphold you 

and loving memories 

to help you smile again.

The angels are always near 

To those who are grieving, 

To whisper to them, 

That their loved one, 

Is safe in the hand of the Lord...

The sorrow of the faithful 

is not that of permanent loss, 

but the tender sense of sadness 

that comes in saying 

good-bye for now, 

to someone we love.

There is so little we can say 

at a time of loss like this 

but know that my heart 

goes out to you.

Remembering with you... 

the life of someone so dear.

Sharing in your sorrow, 

Thinking of you 

and wishing I could be there 

to hold your hand.

Sharing in your sorrow 

and wishing you strength 

in the days ahead.

Tenderly... 

May God's love heal your sorrow. 

Gently... 

May the prayers of friends 

ease your hurting. 

Softly... 

May God's peace replace your heartache 

with warm and loving memories.

Thinking of you


Thinking of you 

and wishing you 

brighter days ahead.

Sending deepest sympathy 

and heartfelt thoughts.

Sending a gentle hug your way, 

to comfort you and to let you know 

that you're on my mind and in my heart 

today and always.

Sharing your sadness. 

Gone from our sight, 

but never our memories. 

Gone from our touch, 

but never our hearts.

The road we're on is twisted, Lord, 

The end defies the view. 

Teach us to take each step in faith 

And leave the rest to You.

The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand,

The sun goes down but gentle warmth still lingers on the land, 

The music stops and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains... 

For every joy that passes,something beautiful remains

Two More Sympathy Verses

No Tears Past The Gate

Someone new has entered 

our eternal home above - 

the heavenly gate has opened 

to welcome one you love. 

We cannot help the tears that fall - 

our hearts need time to grieve 

when earthly life has ended 

and a loved one has to leave. 

Yet even in the saddest time, 

we know our Savior lives, 

and we can trust completely 

in the promise that He gives - 

that in a glad reunion with the Lord 

our loved ones wait to welcome us 

in joy with no more tears 

beyond the gate!

The time had come for him to leave, 

He did not want to go 

But God had other plans for him, 

He said, "I need you so." 

So he has left this world of ours 

And you're so very sad 

But think of all your happy memories 

And the great times that you had. 

For memories stay in your heart 

Forever and a day 

So if you think of him often, 

He'll never go away.

More Touching Sympathy Verses for Cards or Funeral Reading

Below are a few poems and writing from poets, writers; known and unknown that you can use in your condolence cards or funeral readings. 

These are sympathy verses and words I find very touching and comforting.

Remember Me

by Margaret Mead

Remember me:

To the living, I am gone.

To the sorrowful, I will never return.

To the angry, I was cheated,

But to the happy, I am at peace,

And to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.

So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea — remember me.

As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty — remember me.

As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity — remember me.

Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved,

the times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed.

For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.



Away

by James Whitcomb Riley, American Poet (1849 – 1916)

I cannot say and I will not say

That she is dead, she is just away.

With a cheery smile and a wave of hand

She has wandered into an unknown land;

And left us dreaming how very fair

Its needs must be, since she lingers there.

And you-oh you, who the wildest yearn

From the old-time step and the glad return-

Think of her faring on, as dear

In the love of there, as the love of here

Think of her still the same way, I say;

She is not dead, she is just away.


Departed Comrade

by Lucretius, Roman epic poet and philosopher (ca 94 – 55BC)

Departed comrade! Thou, redeemed from pain

Shall sleep the sleep that kings desire in vain:

Not thine the sense of loss

But lo, for us the void

That never shall be filled again.

Not thine but ours the grief.

All pain is fled from thee.

And we are weeping in thy stead;

Tears for the mourners who are left behind

Peace everlasting for the quiet dead.


Feel No Guilt in Laughter

by Unknown

Feel no guilt in laughter, he’d know how much you care.

Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share.

You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.

He’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do.

So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,

The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.

Let memories surround you, a word someone may say

Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,

That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here,

And fills you with the feeling that he is always near.

For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart

And he will live forever locked safely within your heart.


His Jouney’s Just Begun

by Ellen Brenneman

Don’t think of him as gone away

his journey’s just begun,

life holds so many facets

this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

from the sorrows and the tears

in a place of warmth and comfort

where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away.

And think of him as living

in the hearts of those he touched…

for nothing loved is ever lost

and he was loved so much.


I hope and pray that the above sympathy verses will be of much help to you in your card messages.

Use these sympathy verses to bring comfort and encouragement or support for those who are going through a difficult time of loss.

And if you have any sympathy verses - quotes, words or poems that you like to include here, please feel free to send to me and I will add it to the above few verses.

Do make sure that they are not copyrighted materials. 

Thank you very much.

Sympathy Verses II

Read more words of encouragement and comfort here.


› › Sympathy Verses for Bereavement Cards

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