Can the Spirits of Deceased Loved Ones Visit Us?

When someone we love passes away, it leaves a hole in our hearts.

The ache doesn’t go away overnight.

And in those quiet moments of grief, many people wonder something deeply personal—can their spirit still be near?

Do our deceased loved ones ever visit us?

Can they send signs, appear in dreams, or be present in our homes when we feel their absence the most?

It’s a question that comes up more than you might think.

It crosses cultures, ages, and even denominations.

People want to know if that sudden chill, unexpected dream, or sense of peace was more than just emotion.

Was it their loved one saying, “I’m still here”?

Let’s explore what the Bible says about this idea.

We’ll look at what Scripture teaches about the spirit after death, the difference between comfort and danger, and how God wants us to respond when we feel something supernatural.

The Bible Says the Dead Do Not Roam the Earth

First, let’s look at what happens when someone dies according to the Bible.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, “The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

This verse shows us that after death, the body returns to the earth, and the spirit returns to God.

There’s no in-between world for souls to wander around Earth.

When Jesus told the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, He made it clear that there’s a separation after death.

Lazarus went to paradise, and the rich man went to a place of torment.

There was a great chasm between them, and no one could cross from one place to the other—or return to Earth.

That paints a clear picture.

Once someone dies, their soul is not roaming around.

It goes to its eternal home—either with God or separated from Him.

So, according to Scripture, deceased loved ones do not stay behind or visit the living.

But What About Dreams, Feelings, or Signs?

Now, this is where it gets personal.

You might say, “But I dreamed of my grandma, and it felt so real.”

Or, “I heard my dad’s favorite song on the radio right when I needed it.”

These moments can bring great comfort.

And sometimes they’re so specific and timely, they feel impossible to ignore.

So what’s going on?

There are a few possibilities.

One is that God is comforting you directly.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 calls God the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”

He knows how to reach your heart.

He may allow memories, dreams, or moments that feel like a “visit” to bring peace.

But that doesn’t mean the spirit of your loved one was actually present.

It could be God reminding you that He sees your pain and is walking with you.

Another possibility is that your brain and heart are working together in a moment of deep grief.

Memories are powerful.

And in times of mourning, our minds can bring up vivid images and sensations that feel almost real.

That’s not something to be ashamed of—it’s a natural part of love and loss.

But there’s a difference between remembering someone and believing they’re physically or spiritually present.

That’s where we must be cautious.

Scripture Warns Against Trying to Communicate With the Dead

In the Bible, God speaks very clearly about trying to reach out to the dead.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, “Let no one be found among you who… consults the dead.

Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

That may sound harsh, but there’s a reason.

When people try to communicate with the dead—through mediums, séances, or rituals—they open the door to spiritual deception.

God doesn’t want that for us.

Why?

Because not every spirit is from God.

2 Corinthians 11:14 says that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

That means evil spirits can pretend to be something comforting.

They can take the form of a loved one to confuse and mislead.

This is not something we want to play with.

So if you ever feel tempted to talk to someone who has passed away or reach out to them in prayer, stop.

Talk to God instead.

He hears you.

He comforts you.

And He’s the only one who should be speaking into your life from the spiritual realm.

God Can Use Memories to Comfort Us

Just because our loved ones aren’t visiting us doesn’t mean their memory disappears.

God gave us the gift of memory for a reason.

Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”

Remembering is biblical.

It’s healing.

And God can use those memories to bring peace, especially during grief.

Sometimes you’ll remember a laugh, a phrase, or a moment of love—and it brings warmth to your heart.

That’s not the spirit of your loved one visiting.

That’s the love God allowed you to carry.

And He can use that memory to comfort you.

Philippians 1:3 even says, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

It’s okay to remember.

It’s okay to feel joy when you think about someone who’s gone.

And it’s okay to talk to God about how much you miss them.

He understands.

And He listens.

What About the Story of Saul and Samuel?

Some people point to 1 Samuel 28, where King Saul visits a medium to call up the prophet Samuel.

In this story, Samuel appears and speaks to Saul.

So, was this really Samuel?

And does this prove that spirits of the dead can visit us?

The short answer is—it’s complicated.

There’s debate among Bible scholars about whether it was truly Samuel or a deceiving spirit.

But even if it was Samuel, it’s important to note that God did not approve of what Saul did.

In fact, Saul died shortly after, and this act was part of his downfall.

So this story is not an example to follow—it’s a warning.

Even if the dead could appear, it’s not something God encourages or allows us to pursue.

We are told to seek Him alone.

Isaiah 8:19 says, “Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?

Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning.”

That’s where our focus should be—not on trying to hear from people who are no longer with us, but on listening to God who never leaves us.

Heaven Is Real, But So Is Peace

One reason people want to believe their loved ones visit them is because they want to know they’re okay.

They want to believe that their loved one is happy, safe, and still connected.

Here’s the good news—you don’t need a visit to know that.

If your loved one knew Jesus, they are with Him now.

2 Corinthians 5:8 says, “To be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord.”

They are not lost.

They are not wandering.

They are in perfect peace.

And one day, if you are in Christ, you will see them again.

That reunion will be real.

It will be joyful.

It will never end.

Until then, you can rest.

You can let go of the need to hear from them.

Because God has already given you the greatest comfort—eternal hope.

Trust the Holy Spirit, Not Other Spirits

When you feel overwhelmed by grief or longing, you may sense something beyond yourself.

But not every spiritual feeling is a visit from a loved one.

God has given believers the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 calls the Holy Spirit “the Comforter.”

He is the one who brings peace, understanding, and truth.

If you feel comfort in a moment of pain, that’s likely the Spirit of God working—not a visit from the dead.

Don’t be misled.

The Holy Spirit is far better than any human spirit could be.

He doesn’t just visit you.

He lives in you.

And He’s always pointing you back to God.

That’s where your peace will come from—not from signs, not from feelings, but from a living relationship with the Lord.