Godly soul ties are like holding hands; each person could let go if they wanted to. Ungodly soul ties are like handcuffs tying the people together. No one can let go, even if they wanted to.— Judith Doctor
Deliverance through the blood is crucial in many respects but we will now zoom in on a specific aspect - deliverance from soul ties.
At its simplest, a soul tie is a bond between two souls. As Dr. Peter Horrobin aptly puts it, it’s “a relationship in which we are either rightfully bonded or subject to bondage.” Whether that bond is positive or negative, it influences our thoughts, emotions, and decisions, often without our conscious awareness.
Soul ties are spiritual connections between two people’s souls. They can be either godly or ungodly. Too often, we act or react in ways we don’t fully understand because an invisible bond is influencing us. Sometimes, two people mirror each other so completely that it’s hard to distinguish where one person’s identity ends and the other’s begins.
Since God is a relational being, He designed us to flourish in community. Through diverse relationships like friendship, marriage, family or fleeting encounters, we form bonds with others. These can yield profoundly positive soul ties when cultivated in the right boundaries, especially when rooted in Christ. However, when relationships turn toxic, when they drain rather than nurture, they become spiritual entanglements.
Every bond carries a weightiness, and whether it lifts us up or drags us down depends entirely on the nature of that attachment. For instance, when family ties become corrupted, such as when a parent’s abuse or control permeates the spiritual realm, children can carry invisible burdens long into adulthood.
Some ties serve God’s design, while others pull us into bondage. Consider marriage, for instance. Scripture speaks of it as the union of two becoming one flesh and underscores how sex unites two people in a covenant ordained by God. Sex is designed to forge a bond, and whether that bond is healthy or unhealthy depends on the hearts involved and the presence or absence of His blessing.
Many teachings on soul ties focus narrowly on sexual relationships. But the truth is, these bonds run much deeper than physical intimacy alone. Soul ties can explain why we remain hooked on certain addictions, why we stay stuck in abusive dynamics, or why painful memories keep resurfacing. Even Samson, Israel’s mighty judge, was brought low by Delilah’s influence. What did she do to bind him so entirely?
Unhealthy soul ties can form in different ways, and we will explore some key examples:
Abusive or Controlling Relationships: When one person seeks to dominate or manipulate another, a toxic soul tie forms that robs us of peace and autonomy.
Past Romantic Entanglements: Vows whispered in passion, such as, “I can’t live without you”, sear into the spirit realm. Even after separation, the spiritual bond can linger, pulling us back into unhealthy patterns.
Illicit Sexual Relationships: Sexual intimacy forges a three-dimensional bond in body, soul, and spirit. When these encounters occur outside of God’s design, for instance through adultery, fornication or pornography, they open doors for spiritual bondage.
Vows and Declarations: Words like “My life isn’t complete without you” or “I belong to you”carry weight. They act like spiritual glue, cementing the bond even when two people physically part ways.
Trauma and Abuse: Emotional, verbal, physical, or spiritual trauma can tether us to a person, place, or group. These bonds feel invisible yet exert a powerful pull, making freedom feel impossible.
Once these soul ties are in place, they allow manipulation from afar. You might find your emotions hijacked, as you behave in ways that contradict your normal self. Moving forward, forming healthy attachments becomes a constant challenge.
You may swing between longing for reunion and erecting self-protective walls that repel any genuine intimacy. And if the other party dabbled in occult practices, demonic spirits might actively reinforce that bond.
Just as blood covenants are unbreakable without intervention, soul ties can become unbreakable unless action is taken. Many stories circulate of couples who swore eternal bonds only to discover, after separation, that their souls still felt haunted by vows they never truly broke.
If you recognise yourself in these unhealthy patterns, there is a way to walk into freedom. Here are practical steps to break those bonds:
Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any deception or lies.
Ask God to reveal any bond with a negative pull: someone whose words or actions violate Scripture or your well-being.
Confess the sin of allowing or fostering that bond, and reject the unhealthy habits or attachments that accompany it completely.
Verbally renounce vows like “I can’t live with you” or “I’m incomplete without you”. Plead the blood of Jesus to annul any contract made in the spirit realm.
Speak out loud: “In Jesus’ name, I renounce any vow that binds me to [Name or situation]. I plead the blood of Christ to break every ungodly covenant.”
In faith, declare: “Lord, in the name of Jesus, I break every ungodly soul tie with [Name or situation]. I release myself and that person into Your hands.”
Believe that those chains are broken because of His blood, even if you don’t feel it immediately.
Return or discard any personal items, gifts, or tokens that symbolise the union. Plead the blood of Jesus over these items.
As much as possible, remove yourself from the toxic environment or person. If you must interact (co-parenting, family obligations), keep communication brief, transparent, and anchored in prayer.
Intentionally invest in relationships rooted in Christ including your church family, godly mentors, and close friends who encourage you to walk in obedience. Strengthen these bonds through shared prayer, accountability, and Scripture. Over time, these godly ties will replace the old, unhealthy ones.
Emotional scars from past abuse, rejection, or broken relationships need God’s healing touch. Pray, “Heavenly Father, bind up my wounds. Heal my soul and teach me Your peace” (see Isaiah 61:1–3). Through consistent prayer and God’s Word, allow Him to knit your spirit back together.
By walking through these steps of examining, renouncing, severing, and healing, you will notice new freedom taking root. Over time, the chains that once bound you will lose their grip.
Breaking soul ties is not a one-time event but a process of daily surrender to Christ. Each time you examine, renounce, sever, and heal, you reinforce your identity in Him rather than in broken past relationships. With every step, your mind, emotions, and spirit realign with truth. Negative patterns lose their power, and you begin to experience the fullness of freedom that Christ purchased on the cross.
Always remember this: the blood of Jesus is powerful enough to break every ungodly tie. As you cling to Him, your true identity in Christ will shine brighter than any bond from your past.