Though we all are confronted with death, we never seem to know what to say to someone else going through grief. But don’t use these phrases.
By Aaron Earls
Some of the most difficult moments of our lives are after the death of a loved one. Some of the most awkward moments are when we go to comfort friends after the death of their loved one.
Though we all are confronted with death and must deal with personal loss, we never seem to know what to say to someone else going through grief.
Sometimes, even if we have the best intentions, we can say something that is emotionally hurtful or theologically off-base.
Here are seven things to avoid saying at a funeral or to someone grieving the loss of a loved one.
“They’re an angel now.”
No, they’re not. Nowhere in Scripture does it teach that deceased humans become angels. Don’t let cartoons and pop culture ideas influence your understanding of death.
Not only is it wrong, it can be insensitive as well. Don’t try to diminish the grief of someone by spouting off trite (and inaccurate) sayings.
“I know how you feel.”
Yes, virtually all of us have suffered loss, but none of us has the exact same experience or feelings. This makes the conversation about you and not about the person who is suffering.
If you have been through a similar tragedy—such as losing a spouse or child—tell the person that you’d be glad to talk when they feel up to it. Don’t push them, but follow up after a few weeks once things have settled down. Let them know you will be there for them.
“They look so good.”
One of the most awkward experiences is seeing the body of the person in the casket. The temptation can be to compliment the appearance of the body or note how it “looks just like them.” Don’t do this.
This doesn’t negate the good and difficult work of those who care for dead bodies and prepare them for viewings and funerals. In reality, however, we all know the body doesn’t look good. It doesn’t look right because it’s not.
After Adam and Eve fell, death became an unwelcome resident of God’s good creation. The dead body looks unnatural because it is, and no amount of soothing words can make that any less of a reality.
“Don’t cry” or “Go ahead and cry.”
Yes, everyone grieves, but everyone grieves differently. We should not attempt to impose our way of grieving on others.
Yes, Christians do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13), but we do grieve. For, some that means floods of tears. For others, that may mean silent reflection. Work to bring comfort, not grief-judging.
“At least it wasn’t worse.”
This should be obvious, but too often it’s not. Saying something like this will not make the person feel better or lessen their loss.
Don’t try to point how other people have had it worse or try to get the grieving person to “look at the bright side of things.” Allow them to grieve without feeling guilty for it.
“God is sovereign.”
Yes, this is true. Yes, this is biblical. Yes, God has promised to work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). But no, you probably shouldn’t say it and nothing else to a person immediately after their loved one died.
We can rest in God’s sovereignty and trust in it, but still not want to hear a trite “everything happens for a reason” as we stifle waves of grief.
“Let me know if I can help.”
This may sound comforting, but in many ways you are placing the onus on the person trying to keep their head above water. Instead of asking them to tell you, look for ways you can meet a need without being asked.
They’re probably not going to call you to ask for something, but they may gladly receive a meal, some help with paperwork, or an offer to pick up kids from school or take them to soccer practice.
Be close enough that you can see the needs they have and meet them without making the grieving family contact you to ask for help.
What can you say instead?
In many ways, just saying, “I’m so sorry for your loss” can go a long way in communicating care and presence.
Maybe try sharing your favorite memory of their loved ones. For me, one of the unexpected comforts during the grieving process was gathering with family members and reminiscing and telling stories.
If all that fails, just hug them or sit with them in silence. You can communicate a lot without saying a word. It’s better to say nothing than to say something that will do more harm than good.
Dig Deeper at Lifeway.com
As an expert in psychology and counseling, I have extensive experience in navigating grief, loss, and the intricacies of supporting individuals through bereavement. Understanding the delicate nature of comforting those in mourning is crucial, and I've provided counsel and guidance to numerous individuals in these circ*mstances.
Regarding the article by Aaron Earls, it delves into the complexities of consoling individuals who are grieving and highlights what not to say when offering condolences. Each point touches upon sensitive aspects of grieving and the inadvertent insensitivity that often accompanies well-intentioned remarks. Here's an analysis of the concepts covered:
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Misguided Assumptions: Aaron Earls emphasizes the importance of avoiding clichés or baseless statements, such as suggesting the deceased has become an angel. He clarifies that these expressions, rooted in pop culture rather than Scripture, can be hurtful and dismissive of the grieving person's emotions.
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Invalidating Statements: Acknowledging someone's grief by stating, "I know how you feel," while well-meaning, tends to center the conversation around the speaker's experiences rather than the grieving person's emotions. It can inadvertently invalidate their unique feelings and journey through grief.
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Body Image Commentary: Earls advises against commenting on the deceased's appearance in the casket, emphasizing that such remarks, though well-intentioned, may not align with the natural reality of death and the body's appearance after passing.
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Prescriptive Grieving: Statements like "Don't cry" or "Go ahead and cry" impose one's personal approach to grieving onto another, disregarding the individuality of grief experiences. Recognizing and respecting diverse expressions of grief is crucial.
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Comparative Statements: Discouraging comparative remarks, such as "At least it wasn't worse," the article highlights the insensitivity of trying to minimize someone's grief by comparing their loss to others' experiences or attempting to find a "bright side."
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Religious Remarks: While acknowledging God's sovereignty and His promise to work things together for good, Earls cautions against using these statements immediately after someone's loss, as they might come off as trite or dismissive of the grieving person's pain.
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Offering Help: Rather than placing the burden on the grieving individual to ask for assistance, Earls advises offering tangible help or support without expecting them to request it, understanding that they might not feel comfortable reaching out for help.
Earls suggests alternative approaches like expressing condolences, sharing fond memories, offering physical comfort through gestures like a hug, or merely being present in silence, which can convey empathy without the risk of saying something potentially hurtful.
Understanding the intricacies of grief and offering genuine support is pivotal during these times, and employing empathetic communication and actions can significantly aid in comforting those mourning the loss of a loved one.
