What do you say to someone who has experienced terrible suffering or loss?

It depends on the person and what the terrible suffering or loss is? There are bible promise books out there with answers to questions like this.

I have one with Joyce Meyer with verses of encouragment and comfort:

In the day of trouble. He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock. Psalms 27:5.

This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your Word has revived me and given me life. Psalm 119:50.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy and the God of every comfort, Who comforst me in every trouble, so that I may also be able to comfort those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort with which I myself an comforted by God. 2 Cor. 1:3-4.

I call out to High God, the God who holds me together. He sends orders from heaven and saves me. God delivers generous love, he makes good on His Word. Psalm 57:2-3.

There are so many verses in the bible to comfort someone with.

you know sorry just doesn't get it, sorry has been so overused among the real non-caring people. but sorry is the word, what else is there, if you are just remotely involved with the issue, you can not even relate.

words are not always needed amongst those who understand the suffering or loss. a hug has much more meaning and understanding then all the words a person can utter. a look, a nod, a sigh. looking for a coverall answer is so short of a condolence, being yourself and doing way comes natural is always your best way to handle the situation

god...it's not much to say in the begining...crying is probably the best thing that can happend then. really...sorry for the loss its's good enough....

do you know that there isn't a name to call someone who lost their kid...you can find a widow,widower, orfan...just a sad example of how words don't have anything to do with the loss.

unfortuanatelly things like this happends all the time but when it's happening to you or someone very close, then it's like the end of the worls just came...nothing makes sense anymore, nothing matters anymore.this is normal...it is also normal to pass over it...in time, depending of your own personality, easier or harder...

I repeat myself...in situations like this, soon after it's better just to show you are there...etc.

good luck

I would simply say that I am sorry for their loss, that I am praying for them. I would also keep in contact with that person, if possible, to let them know I care about what they are going through and ask if I can do anything to help them...run an errand, cook them a meal, etc.

You get to the point, that there is no suffering or loss in God, but the "old man" is a liar and the father of it. You need to understand this before you can impart it.

I simply tell them I love them. I can't say anything they haven't heard a million times before, and so many sayings seem so tright. I'll call them and listen to them if they want to talk. I'll take them food sometimes. Sometimes I'll ask if they'd like to have tea or a glass of wine. They need to talk. Not me. They just need to know that I care.

I always tell them I'm praying for them (and only if I have prayed for them- it's horrible to say that, and not mean it), I ask them if I can do anything for them. I think one of the worst things you can say is "I know how you feel".

God wont bring us to anything that He wont bring us through victoriously! Praise the Lord!!

i image this season is difficult for you and I want you to know you and your loved ones are remembered

"i'm sorry for your terrible suffering or loss"