Letter to Those in Grief

If you are like many of us, you have often wondered what can be said to someone in the community who has suffered a great loss - either in death or a tragic family circumstance. Even though you don't know them, you would like to express your condolences and also say something that may help point them to the Lord. Of course, you know that now is not the time to give them a full-orbed Gospel message. To send them a regular Gospel tract inside a sympathy card would seem insensitive to their great loss. But is there anything that can be said at such a time that would gently encourage them to turn their eyes to the Lord - perhaps initially for comfort but ultimately for eternal life?

The draft below might be of some value to you as you consider what you might write or send. Feel free to use it and customize it as you see fit. Also if you think of something more appropriate that could be said in such a letter or card you could leave your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Dear

We are sending this note to say that we have been sincerely touched to hear of the life-storm you are experiencing. Although we are unknown to you, we want you to know that since hearing of your deeply painful circumstances (or your tragic and profound loss), we have been praying for you.

In times of crisis and sorrow and darkness, God can draw near in deep compassion and comfort broken hearts and shattered lives.

Even in the absence of answers to our painful questions, in the very sad solitudes of life, people have opened their hearts to God’s comfort and their ears to His loving voice. For some, turning to the Lord may have been a last resort to find comfort and purpose behind the raging black clouds of life.  It gives us hope and confidence to know the Lord came into their lives and blessed them in a way they had not experienced before in life.

God understands sorrow and His loving heart is touched. On three occasions we read of Jesus weeping when He was here on earth. Jesus tenderly invited people who were filled with distress and crushed by heavy burdens to come to Him for rest. In the Bible a beautiful invitation from Jesus is given in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest.”

The little gift card enclosed is a mere token to express our condolences and perhaps help you with a meal in the days ahead. Be assured we will keep you in our prayers and if you ever want to contact us for further prayer our information is below.

Kindest Regards with Deepest Sympathy

PS. A thank-you note is not necessary.