To get to the heart of “soul ties,” we have to go straight to Genesis. Joel takes us to Genesis 2:24, where the Bible says, “a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.” The original Hebrew word for bonds—“daak”—means to cling to, unite, or forge together.

But here’s the critical difference: In Scripture, this kind of bonding isn’t just about sex (though that’s a huge part of it!). It’s a holistic connection—physical, emotional, and spiritual. The “one flesh” union of marriage is the IDEAL: a safe, vulnerable, protective type of connection. That’s why, if a sexual or emotional bond is broken outside of God’s design (like in Genesis 34 with Dinah’s story), there’s deep pain, wounding, and consequences.

And it’s not just romantic or physical! The Bible talks about the kind of knitting or bonding that can happen in friendships (David and Jonathan), family, and community. Sometimes, the closeness we feel in a friendship or spiritual relationship can be just as deep—and losing it can be just as painful.

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One thing Kait Tomlin, Joel Mudamalle, and Joel really want you to hear: This isn’t just about sex. You can form a soul-level bond with someone through sharing your heart, praying together, or just going deep emotionally and spiritually—and that’s TRUE whether or not there’s any physical involvement.

So, what’s the practical takeaway? Know yourself! If you’re someone who bonds deeply through touch, maybe be cautious with cuddling three dates in. If you bond through words, be wise about sharing every detail of your soul early on. Set boundaries, pace your relationship, and remember: you NEVER regret using wisdom and moving slowly. As Kait Tomlin says, “No one regrets taking a few more months to get to know someone; it’s always the opposite.”

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Okay, but what if you already feel stuck in a soul tie? Or you crossed boundaries you regret? Here’s the grace-filled reality: Confession and repentance are POWERFUL. As Joel shared from his own story, the “fact” of your sin gets covered and forgiven by Jesus, but the “impact” might take time, prayer, and community to heal. Healing is possible! It’s a gradual process of bringing your heart, hurt, and history back before God, again and again, and letting Scripture shape your identity—not your past.

And let’s not make “soul ties” a weapon or badge of guilt. Joel Mudamalle wisely points out: If you’re using that phrase to shame yourself or others, erase it. Let it describe reality, but never let it define your worth.

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Finally—maybe the sweetest takeaway this week—healthy, non-romantic bonds matter too. In our Western world, we often miss out on the beauty of deep, non-sexual friendship. David and Jonathan, Jesus and John—these were soul-level connections formed in trust, loyalty, and love. The invitation in dating and friendship is to cultivate that kind of connection, wisely and intentionally, rooted in the safety and honor God always intended.

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HOD fam, thanks for diving deep with us! Whether you’re piecing your heart back together post-breakup or wondering where to draw the line in your next relationship, we hope today brought you clarity and peace. Remember: You’re not defined by your “ties” but by your identity in Jesus. Walk forward in freedom and wisdom—you’re so worth it!

(Let us know in the comments: What stood out most in this conversation? How has your view of soul ties changed after listening?)

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