Condolence Messages: 200 Short Heartfelt Texts

Condolence Messages: 200 Short & Heartfelt Sympathy Texts

Finding the right words after someone has passed away can feel impossible. Whether you're writing a message in a sympathy card, sending a short text, or offering support online, it's often hard to know what to say.

This guide gives you 200 carefully written condolence messages—from one-liner texts to heartfelt card paragraphs, plus a few best-practice tips to help you avoid common missteps.

Whether you're close to the grieving person or just want to send kind thoughts, you’ll find examples that are:

• Short enough for WhatsApp or SMS
• General and respectful for any situation
• Deeper and more comforting for close friends and family

Remember: you don’t need to be poetic or profound. Even a few honest words can mean the world to someone who is grieving.

Cross-Reference: For guidance on specific losses, see our articles on Condolence Messages on the Death of the Father and Condolence Messages for the Mother. 

Short Condolence Messages (One-Liners)

These short messages are perfect for quick replies, text messages, or small sympathy cards. They're gentle, sincere, and easy to personalize.

Very Short Condolence Texts (under 12 words) — 25 examples

1. Thinking of you today.
2. So sorry for your loss.
3. My heart is with you.
4. Sending peaceful thoughts your way.
5. With deepest sympathy.
6. Here for you, always.
7. Holding you in my heart.
8. Wishing you strength today.
9. My thoughts are with you.
10. You’re in my prayers.
11. Sending light and love.
12. May peace be with you.
13. With love and condolences.
14. Here if you need me.
15. Keeping you close in thought.
16. My sincere condolences.
17. May memories bring you comfort.
18. I’m so sorry.
19. Deepest sympathy to you.
20. Holding space for you.
21. May you find strength.
22. Thinking of you and your family.
23. You are not alone.
24. Sending gentle hugs.
25. Praying for your peace.

24 short obituary examples you can copy, personalize & publish in minutes

Short but Warm Sympathy Messages — 35 examples

1. I’m so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort.
2. Thinking of you and hoping you’re finding moments of rest.
3. Sending you love and strength during this time.
4. My heart breaks for you.
5. I hope happy memories carry you through this.
6. May love surround you today and always.
7. Wishing you moments of peace in the days ahead.
8. You’re in my heart and on my mind.
9. Please know I’m here for you in any way.
10. Hoping time brings you healing.
11. You have all my sympathy and support.
12. I’m grieving with you from afar.
13. May their memory be a blessing.
14. You have my deepest condolences.
15. Sending warmth and care your way.
16. I’ll be thinking of you all week.
17. Wishing you comfort and moments of peace.
18. You have people who care and want to help.
19. Sending comfort, love, and quiet strength.
20. I’m here for you, now and always.
21. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
22. I hope you’re surrounded by love today.
23. My heart is heavy for you.
24. Sharing in your sorrow and sending love.
25. Take all the time you need.
26. You’re stronger than you know.
27. Sending strength and light in this dark time.
28. I'm just a call away.
29. We care and we’re with you.
30. You’re on my mind constantly.
31. Let yourself feel everything—you’re not alone.
32. I hope you’re finding small moments of calm.
33. I know there are no right words, but I care deeply.
34. Love to you and everyone grieving with you.
35. I’m sorry this is so hard.

Short Condolence Messages for Cards and Flowers — 20 examples

1. Forever remembered, forever missed.
2. In loving memory and heartfelt sympathy.
3. A life well-lived, a heart deeply loved.
4. Gone from sight, never from heart.
5. Deeply missed, always remembered.
6. With sorrow and love.
7. May their soul rest in peace.
8. Our hearts are with you.
9. In tribute to a beautiful life.
10. With gentle thoughts and prayers.
11. Holding your heart with mine.
12. Gone too soon, never forgotten.
13. In memory and respect.
14. With quiet sympathy.
15. Our thoughts remain with you.
16. May love light your way.
17. Resting peacefully in our hearts.
18. With tears and tenderness.
19. Thinking of you always.
20. A gentle soul, a lasting presence.

Note: Keep your message brief but personal. Avoid overthinking it; a heartfelt line is often enough.

Cross-Reference: Need more inspiration? Check out Sudden Death Condolence Message for examples tailored to unexpected losses.

General Condolence Messages for Family and Friends

These messages are suited for anyone you know—whether a close friend or someone you’re supporting more from a distance.

Condolence Messages for Close Friends and Family — 30 examples

1. I know how much your [mother/father/sibling] meant to you. I’m so sorry.
2. My heart aches with yours. I’m just a call away.
3. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to bring you a meal or help however I can.
4. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, but I care deeply.
5. Your grief is valid, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
6. I’ll never forget the stories you shared about your dad. He sounded like a remarkable man.
7. May your family find peace and unity during this time.
8. Thinking of the love that still surrounds you, even in loss.
9. If you want to talk, cry, or just sit in silence—I’m here.
10. I hope the love of those around you brings comfort.
11. I know this isn’t easy. But I’ll walk with you however long it takes.
12. Your mom was such a light. I’ll miss her smile.
13. I’m sending love to your whole family.
14. The world feels a little less bright without them.
15. You’re in my heart every single day right now.
16. May the coming days be gentle to your soul.
17. I see your strength, even when you don’t.
18. I’ll honor their memory with you in any way I can.
19. I'm sorry for what you’re going through.
20. No words feel right, but please know how much I care.
21. We’re grieving with you and for you.
22. I hope the kindness around you brings some comfort.
23. Their memory lives on in you.
24. Your loss is shared by everyone who loves you.
25. If love could heal, you’d feel whole already.
26. Sending peace to your heart.
27. I’ll never stop showing up for you.
28. You’ve shown so much grace through this.
29. Their story touched more lives than you know.
30. You’re not alone—never have been, never will be.

Condolence Messages for Acquaintances and Neighbors — 25 examples

1. So sorry for your loss. Wishing your family peace.
2. We’re keeping you in our thoughts.
3. May comfort find you in the quiet moments.
4. Thinking of you and your loved ones.
5. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
6. Hoping each day brings a little more strength.
7. Please accept our condolences.
8. We’re so sorry to hear of your loss.
9. Sending thoughts and sympathy your way.
10. With caring thoughts at this difficult time.
11. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
12. May you feel surrounded by support and care.
13. Our hearts go out to your family.
14. In sympathy and shared sorrow.
15. May your memories bring warmth.
16. Hoping you’re feeling the love from those around you.
17. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
18. May kindness carry you through.
19. Sending you our heartfelt sympathy.
20. So sorry to hear of your loss.
21. Thinking of your family during this time.
22. May healing find you gently.
23. In loving remembrance.
24. Hoping each day brings more light.
25. Our condolences to you and your family.

Neutral Sympathy Messages You Can Adapt for Anyone — 15 examples

1. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
2. Thinking of you and wishing you peace.
3. You have my deepest condolences.
4. May you find moments of comfort and connection.
5. Sending sympathy and kind thoughts your way.
6. Wishing you healing and strength in time.
7. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
8. I hope you feel supported during this time.
9. You’re in my thoughts.
10. May love and memory sustain you.
11. I'm sorry for the sadness you're feeling.
12. Sending all my care your way.
13. Hoping gentle days return soon.
14. Wishing you steadiness and solace.
15. May peace meet you in quiet moments.

Cross-Reference: For information on supporting someone long-term, check out Bereavement Leave.

Deeper, Comforting Condolence Paragraphs for Cards

These longer sympathy messages are ideal for physical cards, condolence emails, or social media posts where you want to say more than a quick sentence. Each one is sincere, calm, and designed to offer real comfort without cliché.

Heartfelt Sympathy Messages for Close Relationships — 20 examples

1. I was heartbroken to hear about your loss. I know how deeply you loved [him/her/them], and how much they meant to everyone who knew them. Please know I’m holding you in my heart and thinking of you every day. If there’s anything I can do, even the smallest thing, I’m here.
2. Losing someone we love is never easy, and words can’t truly heal the pain. But I hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and the memories that will always remain close to your heart.
3. I remember how you always spoke about your [father/mother] with such warmth. That love doesn’t end with loss—it stays with us. I’m so sorry for your pain and am holding space for you in my heart.
4. Your grief is valid, deep, and deserving of compassion. I hope you know that it's okay to take time, to cry, to be quiet. We’re with you in thought and spirit, however long it takes.
5. I know there’s nothing I can say that will make this better—but I want you to know you are not alone. I’m grieving with you, and I care about you deeply.
6. I can’t imagine the pain you're feeling. What I can offer is a listening ear, a warm hug, and my full presence if and when you need it. I’m here for you.
7. This kind of loss can feel like the world is off its axis. I hope you find small moments of peace, and remember that it’s okay to lean on others—you don’t have to carry it all alone.
8. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. The bond you had was special, and I hope that love continues to guide and comfort you.
9. There’s no timeline for healing. There’s no right way to grieve. Do what you need, when you need it. I’ll be right here.
10. I’m sending you all the strength I have today. Let the tears come. Let the memories come. You are loved, deeply and truly.
11. It’s okay to feel broken. That’s how healing begins. Be kind to yourself—you’re going through something incredibly hard.
12. I hope that, over time, the pain of loss gives way to the peace of memory. I’m so sorry.
13. I’ll always remember how much your [loved one] meant to you. Their impact lives on in your heart—and in those lucky enough to know them through you.
14. You’ve always shown such grace. I hope you allow yourself to receive it from others now. You deserve every ounce of love and care.
15. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that [Name] was deeply loved. That love doesn't go away. It stays with you forever.
16. I wish I could take away the pain. Since I can't, I’ll walk beside you until it softens.
17. You’ve been there for so many people. Let us be there for you now.
18. You are not alone, not forgotten, and not expected to be strong every moment.
19. I hope you feel how much you’re supported and cared for right now. Loss is heavy—let us help carry some of it.
20. The world feels a little emptier without them, but your memories will always be full of love.

Cross-Reference: Visit Beginners Guide: Types of Condolence Messages for a deeper dive into what to write.

Gentle, Hope-Filled Condolence Paragraphs — 15 examples

1. I know there are no words that make grief disappear, but I hope you find strength in the love around you and peace in the quiet moments. Take your time—healing is a journey, not a race.
2. Though the world may feel different now, I hope you still feel moments of light, warmth, and connection. You’re never alone in this.
3. The people we love never truly leave us—they live on in stories, smiles, gestures, and the parts of us they helped shape. Sending hope and healing.
4. May your heart hold the love, your memory hold the joy, and your spirit find peace. You’re in my thoughts.
5. I hope you feel held—not just in sympathy, but in solidarity. We all carry you in our hearts during this time.
6. When grief washes over you, I hope it’s followed by the calm of love and remembrance. I’m here with you, wave by wave.
7. This pain is real. So is the love that surrounds you. Hold on to both—they're allowed to exist together.
8. Please know that hope lives on, even in sadness. You’ll find it again, one quiet moment at a time.
9. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning how to hold the memory with tenderness. Wishing you that gentleness now.
10. May you be reminded of how loved you are, and how cherished their memory will always be.

What Not to Say in a Condolence Message

Even with the best intentions, some phrases can come off as dismissive, overly spiritual, or focused on the wrong person. Here’s what to avoid—and better alternatives.

Avoid minimizing the loss

• Don’t say:
  • “At least they lived a long life.”
  • “You’ll move on soon.”
  • “It could be worse.”
• Do say:
  • “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”
  • “This must be incredibly hard.”
  • “They’ll always be remembered.”

Avoid offering reasons or spiritual explanations

• Don’t say:
  • “Everything happens for a reason.”
  • “God needed another angel.”
  • “They’re in a better place.”
• Do say:
  • “I’m here for you.”
  • “Your grief is real, and I’m thinking of you.”
  • “They brought so much light to this world.”

Avoid centering yourself

• Don’t say:
  • “I know exactly how you feel.”
  • “When my [parent] died…”
• Do say:
  • “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I care deeply.”
  • “I’m here to listen, anytime.”

Avoid giving unsolicited advice

• Don’t say:
  • “You need to stay strong.”
  • “Keep yourself busy.”
• Do say:
  • “Take your time.”
  • “Feel what you need to feel—I’m here.”

Closing reminder: Sincerity, presence, and kindness go further than polished phrases.

Cross-Reference: Explore Condolence Message for coworker for ways to make your words more personal.

How to Write Your Own Condolence Message

Here’s a simple 4-step guide for creating your own message:

1. Acknowledge the loss : “I was so sorry to hear about your [mother/friend/etc.].”
2. Share sympathy: “I know how much they meant to you.”
3. Offer support: “Let me know if I can help in any way.”
4. Close gently :“Thinking of you,” or “With deepest sympathy.”

Examples:

• “I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I hope you’re finding comfort in the love around you. Please let me know if you need anything. Thinking of you.”
• “Your loss is felt by many. I’m here for you—whether you need help, a distraction, or quiet company.”

Cross-Reference: Read Condolences Text Messages for more short, thoughtful messages suitable for texting.

FAQ – Common Questions About Condolence Messages

Q: What’s a simple condolence message I can send by text?

A: Try: “Thinking of you and sending strength.” Keep it short and sincere.

Q: How long should a sympathy message be?

A: One to three sentences is usually enough—especially for texts or casual messages.

Q: Is it okay to send condolences via WhatsApp or social media?

A: Yes, especially if it's your main way of staying in touch. Keep it respectful and low-key.

Q: Should I mention religion?

A: Only if you’re sure it aligns with the person’s beliefs. Otherwise, use universal terms like “peace” or “comfort.”

Cross-Reference: For more examples, see Condolence Message for Mother.

Conclusion

There’s no perfect condolence message—just honest ones. If you’re unsure what to say, choose a simple line from this list and make it your own. Add a name, a small memory, or just a sincere offer of support.
Even a few kind words can bring comfort in the hardest moments.
When in doubt, follow up. A text next week or a thoughtful message later on often means just as much as the first one.

Your presence and empathy can make a significant difference.

Need more help? Explore our blogs on Condolence Message on Death of Father and Leave Application for Death  for related guidance.