I agree with you that statements like those can feel insensitive, though I would maintain that it is almost always well-intentioned, rather than intentionally "callous, egotistical, and full-on jerk move." I think it's true of human nature in situations like this, that we all tend to say things that we, ourselves, would find comforting. We default, as it were, to what we know and believe...and many people, I know, feel pressure to say something...which is probably part of the problem.

I have likewise been in situations like this when things said to me were decidedly anti-spiritual or anti-Christian...and I have learned to smile and be gracious and respectful, just as you have mentioned here. I have lived many years in countries where my faith is an extreme minority and where it was an almost daily occurrence for someone to say something to me or act in such a way that was contrary to my preferred thinking, talking, and acting. It's not easy, but the habit I tried to develop was to try and see things from their perspective -- why did they say or do the thing they said or did? And I found that rarely was it an attempt to be mean, insensitive, or cruel. In short, I had to learn the art of not being offended...and it made a huge difference for me. I realized that I could be all bent out of shape...or I could smile and be gracious. And when I was gracious, I found that often times I would have an opportunity down the road to share my perspective and be heard.

To your point, though, in situations like what you describe, I have learned that it is best to not say much -- "I'm so sorry," or something of that sort is usually adequate -- and then to simply be present to the extent that our relationship would deem appropriate.

Thank you for sharing with me. I appreciate your words. And thank you for listening to mine. I may or may not be right, but that's my perspective based on my own experiences. Have a great day!