Introduction
Earthquakes, typhoons, torrential rains: in Japan, a disaster strikes somewhere almost every year. When we are far away, we often feel powerless. Yet a simple line like "I'm thinking of you" can be real support for someone spending a night in fear. This page gathers 17 messages of sympathy, called omimai in Japan: for family far away, for brothers and sisters at church, for friends and acquaintances, and a few very short lines for a text that does not require a reply. These messages do not explain the cause of events and do not push encouragement. They accompany quietly. Adapt them to the situation, add the person's name, and use them without forcing it. Depending on the scale of the damage, waiting a little before writing is also a kindness.
Messages to Family Who Live Far Away
First ask how they are, and let them know they can say what they need. Adding "no need to reply" spares someone exhausted from one more task.
"[name], I saw the news about the earthquake and I'm very worried. Are you all right? You can reply whenever you like. When things settle, even one word from you would make me happy. I'm thinking of you and praying."
"Mom, Dad, I heard there was a big earthquake and my heart tightened. Are you both all right? Don't wear yourselves out over the house. If there is anything I can do, tell me. I pray for you every day."
"[name], I saw the news about the torrential rains and I'm worried. Can you get some rest at the shelter? Tell me without hesitation what you need and I'll see to it right away. Even if I can't do anything, I'm with you in my thoughts."
"[name], for now, don't think about anything and rest. There's no need to reply. I just want you to know that I'm thinking of you. When you feel better, you can tell me about it quietly."
Psalm 34:18
"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."
The psalmist says that Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart and saves those who have a crushed spirit. For someone in the middle of a disaster, this is a comfort: one may keep one's sadness and fear just as they are. Do not explain or cheer up. Simply place it at the end of the letter, gently. Read all of Psalm 34.
Messages to Brothers and Sisters at Church
To a fellow believer, say that you are praying and what you can concretely offer. Add words of faith with discretion, taking their situation into account.
"[name], this disaster pains me deeply. Is your family safe? The whole church is praying for you and yours. If we can help, let us know at any time."
"[name], life in an evacuation shelter must tire both body and heart. Please put yourself first. If you can't come to worship, that is all right. The church is always a place you can come back to."
"[name], I know your days are heavy. You do not have to force yourself to be positive. You may keep your sadness as it is. We are grieving and praying with you."
"To [name] and family: a few members of the church are gathering supplies. If you tell us what would help, it will be a great help. There is no hurry to reply. Write to us when you feel better."
Romans 12:15
"Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep."
Paul urges: rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Beside someone who weeps, what is needed first is not a solution but to weep with them. Keep this verse in mind when you write to a brother or sister hit by a disaster, and words that accompany without imposing will come naturally. Read all of Romans 12.
Messages to Friends and Acquaintances
To a friend or colleague who is not a believer, speak mostly of care and put the Bible or prayer less forward. The polite omimai formula gives a respectful tone.
"To all who have been affected by the earthquake, I send my sincere thoughts. Are [name] and the family all right? Reply when you feel better, with no rush. Please take care of yourselves."
"[name], I saw the news and I'm very worried. Is there anything I can do to help? There is no hurry. Tell me whenever you like. I'm here, and I'm waiting."
"[name], I can imagine how startled you were by what happened. You don't have to pretend you're fine. Rest gently. I'm thinking of you."
"[name], I heard you were hit by this, and it hurts me. You have helped me so often, and I'd like to help you a little in return. If you need anything, don't hesitate. With all my sympathy."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Paul says that God comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction. Comfort does not come from our own strength, but from the comfort we ourselves have received. In a letter to an acquaintance, quote it softly, only if it fits, and with respect for their convictions. Read all of 2 Corinthians 1.
Short Lines for a Text
For someone exhausted, short messages that call for no reply are not a burden. Here are lines to send as they are.
"I saw the news about the earthquake and I'm worried. No need to reply. I'm praying that you are safe."
"[name], I imagine it's very hard. If you need anything, write to me. There's no hurry to reply."
"All my thoughts are with you. For now, rest above all. I'm thinking of you."
"So relieved to know you are all right. If you need anything, tell me without hesitation."
"The nights may be hard right now. Even though I'm not beside you, I'm praying for you. No need to reply."
How to Write Your Own Message of Support After a Disaster
First ask how the person is. Saying "I'm thinking of you" is better than asking a thousand questions about the damage, which weigh on someone who has lived through it all.
Avoid "hang in there" and "pull yourself together." For someone already at the end of their strength, it can feel heavy. "Don't push yourself" and "rest well" accompany better.
Never explain the cause or the meaning of the disaster. Words like "God's plan," "trial" or "punishment" can hurt even more. What we do not understand, let us leave without an answer.
Say that they do not need to reply. "There is no hurry to answer" lets someone exhausted relax their shoulders.
Offer concrete help, but let them decide. Say "let me know when you need it" rather than imposing anything.
Voice your prayer without imposing it. Simply write "I'm praying for you"; if the person is not a believer, you can write "I'm thinking of you."
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I write right after a disaster?
In the first days, calls rarely go through and the person has no margin. A short check-in message with "no need to reply" is best. When things have calmed, get in touch again at greater length.
Can I share a Bible verse or a prayer?
If the person is a Christian, it can be a quiet support. If not, speak first of care, and mention only with restraint that you are praying, without imposing anything.
How can I avoid hurting someone when I mean to encourage?
Avoid "hang in there," "stay positive" or "there must be a reason for this." Do not try to solve anything. First welcome what they feel and show that you are there.