THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Do you observe the numerous bonds of affection that God has orchestrated? Within these bonds lies the intrinsic commitment to unity. Indeed, this unity arises from our shared nature, for as it is written, “every animal loves the like of itself” (Sir. 13:19)—the wife deriving from her husband and children stemming from both. Consequently, various expressions of love emerge: we love some as a father, others as a grandfather; some as a mother and others as a nurse; some as a son, grandson, or great-grandson; and yet others as a daughter or granddaughter, brother or nephew, sister or niece. But why enumerate every form of kinship?
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God has introduced another incentive for love: by prohibiting marriages between relatives, He has shifted our focus towards those outside our immediate family, drawing us closer to them. Though these individuals are not bound to us by blood, He has forged connections through marriage, uniting entire households through a single bride and joining families with others. He commanded, “Do not take as your wife your sister, nor your father's sister, nor any other maiden who is related to you in a way that prevents marriage,” specifying the various relationships that fall under this prohibition. It is sufficient that you share the same womb or are related in a manner that creates familial ties. So, why limit the expanse of love? Instead, consider how your capacity to love is enriched by marrying someone from outside your kin, thus gaining additional family members—mother, father, brothers, and their neighbors. Can you perceive how many avenues God has created for our connection?