Jehovah's Witnesses have a slightly different belief system than you might be used to. Understanding your views on life and death can be especially helpful when you want to express your condolences to someone who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one.
Go to these sections:
- Things to consider before sending a condolence message to a Jehovah's Witness
- Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a parent
- Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a grandparent
- Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a brother
- Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a child
- Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a spouse or partner
- Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a friend
As with any culture or belief system, understanding how Jehovah's Witnesses deal with loss and death will help you send messages or gifts of solidarity. Read on for helpful tips and information before you put pen to paper and write a map.
Things to consider before sending a condolence message to a Jehovah's Witness
If you attend oneFuneral of Jehovah's Witnesses, you may find that it is different from what you are used to. Attendees may seem more stoic and less emotional about the loss of their loved one than at other funerals you've attended. For Jehovah's Witnesses believe that there will one day be a final resurrection in which they and their loved ones will be reunited.
Given this belief, his views on death and pain are a little more moderate than those of many other people. But just because they believe in a future resurrection doesn't mean they don't experience the pain of loss after a loved one dies.
send or sharesympathy messagesIt's totally fine whether you're in person or sending a card to a friend or loved one.
" FORWARD:Need help with funeral expenses?Create a free online memorial to collect donations from loved ones.
Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a parent
Losing a parent can be particularly difficult when the parent and adult child are close. Here are several messages you can offer.
1. Everyone in the office looked up to your dad. Your words of encouragement and attitude will be heard by all.
Are you speaking on behalf of your colleagues or the workplace as a whole? Share a message that everyone can support.
2. I'm sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful woman who will be greatly missed.
sayingMy sympathiesIt is perfectly acceptable that you experience the loss of a loved one in this lifetime. Just remember that they may respond with hope, citing their belief in a future resurrection.
3. Your mother has taught me as much as my business mentor over the years. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be greatly missed.
Did the person's father impart or teach them anything special? Mention this part of your legacy in your message.
4. Your father was one of the nicest men I have ever known. I'm sorry I can't see you at church every weekend anymore.
Don't know what to write or say? Consider sharing an attribute that reminds you of the person.
5. Your mother was a wonderful person. I'm so glad I met her.
Sometimes a simple message like this is enough to communicate your understanding of their loss.
Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a grandparent
Grandparents are often the glue that holds a family together. Consider composing a message like this to express your sadness at the loss of someone's grandparents.
6. Your grandmother made the best upside down pineapple cake. I can still taste what he brought with him when we moved to town.
Did you have a special interaction with your friend's grandmother or grandfather? Mention it on a card you send him.
7. I am very sorry to hear about the death of your grandfather. He was a wonderful member of our bingo club and everyone adored him.
Mentioning specific ways you met your grandparents can help put a smile on your loved one's face.
8. I never met your grandfather but he must have been a wonderful man to have a granddaughter like you.
If you haven't met the grandparents yet, you can talk about what you knew about them through your relationship with your grandchild.
9. I am so sorry for the loss of your grandmother. She will be fondly remembered by all of us at the Garden Club.
While Jehovah's Witnesses tend to sever ties with those who have died, it is fair to say that those who knew them will remember their loved one.
10. Please accept our deepest condolences. From all of us at Hagen and the Hagen law firm.
If you want to send something simple and short to a client or office worker, use a message like this.
" FORWARD:Create a free online memorial.Honor your loved ones, share funeral details, and collect memories and tributes.
Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a brother
Even if you don't know the deceased brother, you can send himsympathyfor the suffering man.
11. I am very sorry to hear about the death of your sister. Please know I'm here for you.
Send a message to let the person know they are not alone.
12. Your brother was a wonderful teacher. My son admired him a lot and learned a lot.
If you knew the brother because he was your son's teacher, please include him in your message.
13. I'm glad I met your sister during our freshman year of college. It was a pleasure to meet you.
Sharing how you met the person can help a grieving loved one feel less alone in their grief.
14. Kaylin, please know how sorry I am to hear of your loss. i send you hugs
A short message like this expresses sympathy and sadness at the loss of someone.
Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a child
Losing a child is an incredibly difficult experience. Help your friend or loved one know they are not alone by sending them a message of condolences.
15. Bob and Cindy, Brittany was such a bright light! Her bright smile and natural enthusiasm were a joy to witness. I am very grateful to have known her.
If you knew the child, consider including some of the things that made them special to you as a defining aspect of their personality.
16. To the Jones family, Kayla was a wonderful student and a joy to have in the classroom. She will be greatly missed by me and all her classmates.
Send a message like this if you were the child's teacher and had them in class.
17. Dottie, your daughter loved you and her siblings very much. When he came to the children's church, he would always tell about the fun everyone had during the week. She was a wonderful girl.
Do you remember anything special about this person's child? Share it with them.
18. Melinda, my family and I are deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter. He fought well and was always very brave in his fight against cancer.
If the child died after battling a terminal illness, consider a message like this that honors their fighting personality.
" FORWARD:Our story does not end at the grave.Honor your loved one with a free online memorial.
Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a spouse or partner
Share a message like one of these to express your sadness at the loss of a spouse or partner.
19. Jenny, I'm so sorry about Bob's death. He was an inspiration to all of us at Woodford High and we will miss his cheerful greeting each morning in the staff room.
Send a message like this in a condolence card to share how you met the deceased.
20. Dave, Kathy was a wonderful woman and I am so glad I met her during her time at Children's Church. She was an inspiration to me.
Include specific instances where you interacted with the deceased to personalize your condolence message.
21. Doug, I know Carol believed so deeply and I want you to remember that you will meet again. Hold onto that hope.
Use such a message only if the recipient and their spouse are dedicated Jehovah's Witnesses and would find comfort in it.
22. Paul, all of us at The Little Clinic would like to express our deepest condolences for your loss. Lynda was a wonderful person.
Use a message like this when you need to send a card at the office.
Messages of condolences to a Jehovah's Witness who has lost a friend
It's okay to send a message of condolence even if you don't know the person who died. Use these messages as inspiration when sharing your own.
23. I'm sorry for Lily's death. I know she was a wonderful friend to you and did a lot of good in this world.
Feel free to point out the person's good qualities and the contributions he or she has made to the world.
24. Diana, our family is there for you if you need anything during this time. We love you.
If you're close to the person who lost a friend, use a condolence message to let them know support is available.
25. Paul, Gary always spoke highly of you. Although I never met you, I was always glad that my son had you as a friend.
Have you lost a child and also tried to comfort someone who was his friend? Use a message like this.
26. John, you were good friends with Donny. Thank you for showing what it's like to be a good friend to someone in need.
Use a message like this to point out traits of friendship that have inspired you.
Share a message of solidarity
Even if the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses is different from what you're used to, that shouldn't stop you from sending a heartfelt message of solidarity. They may be clinging to the last hope of seeing their loved ones again, but that doesn't mean they don't feel the loss. Just write from the heart and your message will be received with gratitude and appreciation.