Thinking of You Messages and Words of Encouragement for a Card

Thinking of you messages are short notes that let someone know they are on your mind, and words of encouragement give them a little strength when life feels heavy. A card with a few kind lines can mean a lot to a friend who is sick, grieving, lonely, far from home or starting something new.

Below are messages you can copy into a card, grouped by situation, along with Bible verses, tips on what to avoid and ideas for signing your name.

Article contents

• How to Write a Thinking of You Card
• Short Thinking of You Messages
• Words of Encouragement for Someone Going Through a Hard Time
• Encouraging Words for a Friend
• Encouragement Messages for Illness or Treatment
• Thinking of You Messages for Someone Grieving
• Missing You Messages for Someone Far Away
• Encouragement Messages for a New Start
• Messages for Someone Who Is Lonely or Caring for a Family Member
• Christian Encouragement Messages and Bible Verses
• What to Avoid in an Encouragement Card
• How to Sign a Thinking of You Card
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Write a Thinking of You Card

A thinking of you or encouragement card only needs three or four sentences. These steps work for almost any situation.

1. Open by saying they are on your mind. A simple line such as "I have been thinking about you this week" tells them why the card arrived.
2. Mention what they are going through if you know. Name the new job, the treatment or the move in plain words. If you do not know, it is fine to say you miss them.
3. Add one line of encouragement. Remind them of a strength you have seen in them.
4. Offer something specific if you can. A meal, a phone call or a ride is easier to accept than a general offer of help.
5. Close with warmth. Sign with a closing that fits your relationship, such as "Love" or "Thinking of you."

Example: "Dear Dana, I have been thinking about you and hoping the new job is getting a little easier each week. You have always been smarter and tougher than you give yourself credit for. I would love to take you to lunch next Saturday to hear all about it. Love, Meg"

Short Thinking of You Messages

These short messages fit a small note card or the end of a longer letter.

• Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you.
• You have been on my mind, and I wanted to say hello.
• Sending you a little love today.
• Thinking of you and wishing you a good week.
• There is no special reason for this card. I just miss you.
• I saw this card and thought of you right away.
• I hope you know how much you are loved.
• You crossed my mind today, so I wanted to send a hello.
• Wishing you a calm and easy day. I am thinking of you.
• Sending a big hug your way through the mail.

Words of Encouragement for Someone Going Through a Hard Time

When someone is having a difficult season, keep your message simple and let them know you are staying close.

• I know things are hard right now, and I am here for you.
• Thinking of you during this difficult time and sending you strength.
• You do not have to go through this alone. Call me anytime, day or night.
• Take it one day at a time. I am cheering for you.
• You are stronger than you know, and I have watched you prove it.
• I believe in you, even on the days you do not believe in yourself.
• Be gentle with yourself. You are doing the best you can.
• I cannot fix this, but I can listen. I am only a phone call away.
• You have handled so much with grace. I am proud of you.

Encouraging Words for a Friend

A few encouraging words can remind a friend that someone notices how much they carry.

• You are one of the best friends I have ever had, and I am always in your corner.
• I hope today goes easy on you. You deserve a break.
• Just a reminder that you are kind, capable and loved.
• I am grateful for you every day, and especially today.
• Whatever comes next, we will figure it out together.
• I am proud to call you my friend.
• You always show up for everyone else. Let me show up for you this time.
• You have gotten through hard things before, and you will get through this one too.

For more notes to send a friend, see our friendship messages.

Encouragement Messages for Illness or Treatment

Messages for someone who is sick should feel warm and calm. Avoid predictions about recovery or advice about treatment, and focus on your support instead.

• Thinking of you and hoping each day is a little easier than the last.
• I am sending you love and comfort as you go through treatment.
• I am here if you need a ride, a meal or someone to sit with you.
• You do not need to write back. I just wanted you to know I care.
• Wishing you rest, comfort and good people around you.
• I am thinking of you before every appointment.
• We miss you and look forward to seeing you when you feel up to it.
• Some days will be harder than others. I am with you on all of them.

For more, see our get well soon messages.

Thinking of You Messages for Someone Grieving

Cards often stop arriving a few weeks after a loss. A note sent months later, or on a birthday or anniversary, shows that their loved one is still remembered.

• I know today is hard. I am thinking of you and remembering her too.
• It has been a few months, and I wanted you to know I still think of him often.
• Thinking of you on what would have been your dad's birthday.
• I miss your mom too. I will always remember her laugh.
• I am sending love on this anniversary. You are not alone today.
• I would love to hear a favorite story about her whenever you feel like sharing.
• I know the quiet weeks can be the hardest. I am only a call away.
• Still thinking of you and keeping your family in my heart.

For words to use right after a loss, see our condolence messages and our messages for a first Christmas without a loved one.

Missing You Messages for Someone Far Away

A card is a nice change from a text when someone you love lives far away.

• Miles apart, but you are always close to my heart.
• I miss our talks. Call me when you have a minute.
• I wish we lived closer. Thinking of you today.
• I walked past our favorite coffee shop today and thought of you.
• Sending a little piece of home your way.
• The distance has not changed a thing. You are still my favorite person to talk to.
• I hope your new city is treating you well. We miss you here.
• A card felt better than a text today. I miss you.

For more ways to stay in touch by mail, see our snail mail ideas.

Encouragement Messages for a New Start

A new job, a move or a new school can be exciting and stressful at the same time.

• Good luck on your first day. You are ready for this.
• You worked so hard for this new job, and they are lucky to have you.
• I am proud of you for taking this step.
• Whatever happens, I am in your corner.
• New places take time to feel like home. Be patient with yourself.
• Starting over takes courage, and you have plenty of it.
• I hope your first week at school is full of friendly faces.
• I cannot wait to hear how it goes. Call me when you get home.

For a new job or a promotion, see our promotion and new job messages.

Messages for Someone Who Is Lonely or Caring for a Family Member

People who live alone, and people caring for a parent, spouse or child, can go weeks without hearing how much they matter. A card in the mailbox can brighten their day.

Thinking of You Messages for Someone Who Is Lonely

• I was thinking about you today and wanted to say hello.
• You matter to me, and I am glad you are in my life.
• I would love to stop by for a visit. I will call this week to set a time.
• I miss seeing you. Let's plan a lunch soon.
• Sending you a warm hello and a big hug.
• Thinking of you and hoping you have a peaceful week.
• I always enjoy our talks. Call me anytime you want some company.
• You are never a bother. I love hearing from you.

Words of Encouragement for Caregivers

• You are taking such good care of your mom. Please remember to take care of yourself too.
• I see how much you give every day, and I admire you for it.
• I would love to give you an afternoon off. Just tell me which day works.
• Caring for someone you love is hard work. I am thinking of you.
• Please rest when you can. You have earned it.
• Your dad is lucky to have you, and so are we.
• You are doing a wonderful job, even on the days it does not feel like it.
• If you need groceries picked up or a meal dropped off, I am glad to help.

Christian Encouragement Messages and Bible Verses

For friends and family who share your faith, a short prayer or verse can bring real comfort.

Christian Encouragement Messages

• Praying for you today and trusting God to carry you through.
• You are held in God's hands and in our prayers.
• I am asking God to give you strength and peace this week.
• Thinking of you and praying for you every morning.
• May you feel God's comfort close to you today.
• I thank God for you and pray for you often.
• I am lifting you up in prayer and trusting that better days are ahead.
• May the Lord give you peace in your heart and strength for each day.

Bible Verses of Encouragement for Cards

These verses are quoted from the New International Version (NIV). Write the verse and its reference, then add a short personal line below it.

• "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
• "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
• "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
• "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
• "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
• "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
• "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
• "I thank my God every time I remember you." (Philippians 1:3)

For more verses, see our Bible verses of encouragement.

What to Avoid in an Encouragement Card

• Skip comparisons. Stories about someone else who had it worse, or who recovered quickly, rarely help.
• Leave out medical advice. Treatment questions belong with their doctors, so keep your focus on support.
• Avoid easy silver linings. Phrases like "everything happens for a reason" can feel dismissive when someone is hurting.
• Make offers specific. "Let me know if you need anything" puts the work on them, so name a day or a task instead.

How to Sign a Thinking of You Card

Match the closing to your relationship. For close friends and family, "Love" or "With love" is a good choice. For a coworker or neighbor, "Warmly" or "Thinking of you" works well. For a faith-based card, "In prayer" or "Praying for you" fits.

For more ideas, see our guide on how to sign a card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you write in a thinking of you card?

Say that they have been on your mind, mention what they are going through if you know, and add a line of encouragement or a specific offer of help. Three or four sentences is plenty.

What is a good short message of encouragement?

Messages such as "You are stronger than you know," "I am here for you" and "Take it one day at a time" work well in a card. Add their name and one personal detail to make the message your own.

Is it OK to send a thinking of you card for no reason?

Yes. A card that arrives for no particular reason lets someone know they matter to you.

When should you send an encouragement card?

Send one whenever someone you care about is facing something hard or new, such as an illness, a loss, a move or a new job. Cards sent weeks or months later are also welcome, since that is often when support from others slows down.

For more ideas, try the Message Finder or read our guide on how to write a greeting card.

Our Butterfly Garden set and Christian Cross Greeting Cards are blank inside, so you can write any message from this guide. Each box has 12 cards with envelopes, printed on 100% recycled paper. See all of our encouragement cards and thinking of you cards.