How to Break Free from Soul ties

Last week, we talked about why it’s so important to heal before you deal. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that healing is a journey—it doesn’t happen overnight. Some days, you feel like you’re doing just fine, then out of nowhere, the emotions hit again, and it’s like you’re back at square one.

I get it. Moving on from someone you once spent every waking moment with isn’t easy. Someone you thought you’d do life with. Someone you were sure was your final destination, only for them to get off the ride before the journey was even close to over. It’s painful. But as much as it hurts, you have to learn to move forward—so that when the right, whole, and healthy love comes along, you’re actually ready to receive it.

God understands this, which is why He says in Isaiah 43:18-19:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

Maybe your pain isn’t even from a dating relationship. Maybe you lost a long-time friendship, someone you once called family. You had dreams of achieving great things together, breaking boundaries side by side, but now? They’re gone, and you’re left wondering how to move forward.

I won’t lie to you—it’s hard. But you have to heal. For yourself. For your future.

Why is moving on so hard? 

This week, I want to talk about soul ties, while we dive into emotional baggage next week. These two things might be the reason why, no matter how hard you try, you still feel emotionally tied to the past.

What Are Soul Ties?

A soul tie is a deep emotional, mental, or spiritual bond between two people. It can be formed through relationships, intimacy, or shared experiences. Some soul ties are healthy—God-given connections that strengthen and uplift you. Here are some examples of godly soul ties in the Bible:

• David and Jonathan – A friendship built on love and loyalty (1 Samuel 18:1).
• Marriage – Where two become one (Genesis 2:24).

But here’s the issue: Not all soul ties are healthy.

When you develop deep emotional or physical bonds outside of God’s design—whether through a toxic relationship, ungodly sexual connections, or unhealthy emotional attachments—those ties can linger long after the relationship ends. And this is why some people struggle to move forward. Even though they know the relationship was bad for them, they still feel drawn back, unable to truly break free.

Have you ever found yourself missing someone who treated you terribly? Or maybe you feel guilty for wanting to walk away from something you know isn’t right? You’re fully aware this person isn’t meant for you, yet you just can’t seem to let go.

The Bible warns against unhealthy ties:

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?" — 2 Corinthians 6:14. This verse is often quoted in the context of marriage, but I strongly believe it applies to any relationship—friendships, business partnerships, or emotional connections that pull you away from God’s purpose.

What are the Signs You Have an Unhealthy Soul Tie?

Maybe you’ve tried to move on, but something keeps pulling you back. You know the relationship is over, but somehow, it still has a hold on you. That might be the weight of an unhealthy soul tie. It lingers, it makes it hard for you to step into the future God has for you.

So how do you know if you’re still tied to someone in a way that’s unhealthy? 

1. You Have Obsessive Thoughts About Them, Even After They’re Gone

You’re minding your business, going about your day, and out of nowhere—boom. Thoughts of them come rushing in. It’s been months, maybe even years, but somehow, they still occupy space in your mind rent-free.

You replay conversations, analyze old arguments, and wonder what could’ve been different. Listen, I don't want you to get me wrong, missing someone is normal. But when it becomes a cycle of obsession, where your thoughts keep circling back even when you don’t want them to, that’s a red flag and it is not good enough.

2. You Feel Emotionally or Spiritually Tied, Even When You Want to Move On

You’ve tried everything—blocking them, deleting pictures, even distracting yourself with work or hobbies. Yet, you still feel connected. It feels like there’s an invisible cord tying you to them.

You might even feel their emotions as if they’re your own, sensing when they’re upset or struggling—even when you haven’t spoken in ages. That’s not just a coincidence. That’s a soul tie, and the truth is that until you intentionally break it, it will continue to weigh you down.

3. Their Past Influence Still Shapes Your Present Decisions

Have you ever made a decision, not based on what you truly want, but because of how it would affect or impress someone from your past?

Maybe you hesitate to start a new relationship because you compare every potential partner to them. Or you avoid doing something because of something they once said about you.

If you’re still allowing someone’s voice, approval, or past words to dictate your choices today, it’s time to ask yourself—why do they still have that much power?

4. You Struggle to Form New Healthy Relationships Because of Past Attachments

You meet someone amazing, someone who actually treats you well—but for some reason, you can’t fully open up. You keep them at arm’s length, not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because you’re still emotionally tied to someone else.

Or worse—you keep attracting the same toxic cycles. Different person, same pattern. That’s because when you carry unresolved soul ties, you unconsciously bring that energy into new relationships. It’s hard to receive something healthy when you’re still entangled with something broken.

How do you Break Free from Unhealthy Soul Ties?

You’ve read through the signs, and if you’re being honest, every single one of them is screaming your name. You see yourself in the patterns, and you’re wondering, “Okay, I get it… but how do I actually break free from this?”

I won’t sugarcoat it—breaking a soul tie isn’t always easy. But it’s possible. The moment you decide to break free, God is ready to step in and do the deep work in your heart. I will share some practical approaches below that I believe to be helpful.

1. Acknowledge the Soul Tie & Its Impact on You

You can’t break free from something you won’t even admit is there. Denial keeps you stuck. It’s time to be real with yourself. Is this connection holding you back? Is it keeping you from healing, growing, or stepping into the love God has for you?

Be honest with yourself, no excuses, no justifications. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that you’re “just friends” now, but deep down, you know it’s not that simple.

Admit it to yourself and to God—because you can’t heal from what you refuse to acknowledge.

2. Pray for God’s Help & Renounce the Tie

This is a spiritual matter, and it requires a spiritual approach. You don’t just “move on” from a soul tie—you break it. You break it through prayers. You need to renounce and reject any unhealthy bond you’ve formed, whether through emotional dependence, sexual intimacy, or even unhealthy soul connections in friendships.

You can say a prayer like this:

“Father, I acknowledge that I have formed an unhealthy soul tie with [insert name]. I repent for any way I allowed this bond to take root in my life. Right now, in Jesus’ name, I renounce this soul tie, and I declare that it is broken. I am free from any emotional, mental, or spiritual hold they have over me. I reclaim my heart, my mind, and my spirit. I am whole, healed, and restored by Your love. Amen.”

Pray it from your heart, and believe in your heart that all forms of unnecessary attachments are broken. The Bible says in Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

3. Cut Off All Contact & Remove Their Influence

Let’s be real—you can’t break free from something you keep feeding on. If you haven't, you need to stop checking their social media. No more “casual” texts, no more keeping their number saved for “just in case.” If you’re serious about healing, you have to create distance. 

And this isn't just physically but mentally and emotionally too. Stop replaying the memories. Stop fantasizing about “what if.” Stop stalking their page hoping they miss you. You need to move on and you can't move forward while still clinging to the past.

4. Break Any Physical or Emotional Attachments

Soul ties don’t just exist in your thoughts—they can be tied to objects, gifts, letters, or even places. It is time to let go of the memories, things or places you are so attached to because it reminds you of them. The hoodie you still wear because it “smells like them”? The love letters you kept? The playlist of your songs? It’s time to let it go!

Sometimes, holding on to these things keeps the door open in your heart. If something constantly reminds you of them, it might be time to release it.

5. Replace the Soul Tie with God’s Love & Truth

You weren’t created to live in emotional bondage—you were made for freedom. But breaking free from a soul tie isn’t just about cutting someone off; it’s about filling that empty space with something better.

That “something better” is God’s love. The Bible says in 1 John 4: 18 that "There is no fear in love, perfect love drives out all fear." Let Him heal you. Let Him remind you that you are fully loved, fully known, and fully whole in Him. Meditate on scriptures that remind you of His faithfulness, His healing, and His ability to restore everything you thought you lost.

Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Isaiah 61:3 – “To all who mourn… He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.”

When you fill yourself with God’s truth, there’s no space left for unhealthy attachments.

6. Surround Yourself with Godly Community & Accountability

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Find people who will speak life into you, remind you of your worth, and hold you accountable. Let them know what you’re struggling with so they can pray with you, check in on you, and encourage you to keep moving forward.

The enemy loves to keep people isolated when they’re trying to heal. Don’t fall for it. Find your people and let them help you walk in freedom.

Finally...

Breaking free from soul ties isn’t just about getting over someone. It’s about reclaiming your heart. It’s about making room for the love, peace, and joy that God wants to pour into your life. Yes, healing takes time. Some days will be harder than others. But freedom is worth it.

So, as you take these steps, remember this: You are not alone. You are not powerless. And you are not bound to your past. God is rewriting your story. Allow Him to do so. 💛

I am sending you all my love. If you have any thoughts or questions, I’d love to hear from you. 

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