THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Do you notice the many ways God has woven bonds of affection among us? These connections reflect the innate commitments we share. Indeed, the unity of our nature fosters this, for as the Scripture says, “every animal loves the like of itself” (Sir. 13:19)—the relationship between a husband and wife, and the lineage that follows them. Consequently, love manifests in various forms: we may love one as a father, another as a grandfather, one as a mother, yet another as a caretaker; love is also found in the bonds with siblings, nephews, and nieces, as well as in the cheer of sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters. Yet, there is no need to enumerate every aspect of kinship.
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God has introduced another principle of love by prohibiting unions amongst close relatives, drawing us towards those who are not naturally connected to us, thus making them dear to us. Instead of being linked by blood, He forges new connections through marriage, uniting whole households and families via a single bride. He has instructed clearly: “Do not marry your sister, nor your aunt, nor any maiden who is related to you in a way that prevents marriage,” specifying the prohibitions against certain relationships. The love we owe to them simply stems from our shared origins. So, why should the expanse of love be limited? Would it not be more beneficial to broaden our capacity for love, especially when through marrying someone from outside our kin, we embrace an entire array of new relatives—parents, siblings, and others in their families? Can you perceive the various ways God has brought us together?