Breaking Ungodly Soul Ties
God, who created us for relationship with him and other people, wants to be at the center of all our relationships! He wants us to relate to every person through the lens of the cross!
Relational bonds prescribed by the Lord—like marriage, or godly friendships—have the blessing of God! The Bible talks about putting on love “which is the perfect bond of unity” (Col. 3:14) or preserving unity in the “bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:3) Close godly relationships can be a source or encouragement and strength, conveying deep love that causes individuals to care and support one another, build each other up, and pray for their good.
Soul ties, however, are bondage.
Soul ties are deep relational bonds that are idolatrous or out of God’s order, as defined by his Word. A soul tie is often expressed in an emotional dependency—where an individual feels they need the nurture or presence of someone in their life in order to be happy or secure. Their heart strings are unreasonably wrapped around another person, and even long after the relationship ends, an invisible connection remains. It’s also been described as a “strange loyalty”—the person may understand the relationship was unhealthy, but yet be unable to let it go completely. Often the person is drawn back into an unhealthy relationship because of the soul tie.
Soul ties can happen in friendships.
Soul ties can happen in families—for example, a man or woman who puts their loyalties to their parents above that of his/her spouse.
And soul ties happen in sexual relationships outside of marriage. The Bible says that in marriage a man and wife become “one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24 NIV) This is a bond that is supposed to be! A married couple is meant to be “tied”—that’s a godly soul tie. I like to describe it as two pieces of paper that are glued together. It’s meant to stay glued! But how can we be “one flesh” with several people? Note that according to this Scripture, we are joined with those we have sex with. This is where “bond-age” comes into play! We aren’t meant to go through our lives “tied” to multiple people!
“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.” Isaiah 30:1 NIV
The good news is that Jesus brings freedom!
When we repent from living contrary to the way God tells us to in his Word, he forgives us, cleanses us, and heals us! Jesus is the Soul Tie healer! To be free from the bondage of soul ties, we must first get right with God. Then we can ask him to cut away those ungodly bonds.
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