THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Do you notice the multitude of ways in which God has woven bonds of affection among us? Within this framework lies the innate commitment to harmony, as it is evident that unity of essence fosters such connections—'for every animal loves the like of itself' (Sir. 13:19)—as seen in the relationship between a husband and wife, and the children who descend from them. Consequently, we experience various forms of love: the love we have for a father differs from that for a grandfather, just as the love for a mother or a nurse varies, alongside the love we hold for sons, grandsons, or great-grandsons, and similarly for daughters and granddaughters. We also love brothers and nephews, sisters and nieces. Yet, why enumerate all types of kinships?
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God has presented an alternate incentive for love by prohibiting unions among close family, which directs our affections towards those outside our immediate blood relations, thereby creating new bonds. While lacking a natural connection, these individuals are united in a different manner—through the sanctity of marriage—bringing entire households together through one spouse and merging families through union. He instructs, "Do not take as your wife your sister, nor your father's sister, nor any other maid who is related to you in a way that prevents marriage," clearly specifying the relationships that hinder such unions. It suffices that your love for them stems from shared parentage or other familial ties. Therefore, why should our capacity for love be confined? Is it not more beneficial to reinforce our inclination to love by selecting a spouse from outside our kin, thus also inviting numerous new relatives—mother, father, brothers, and neighbors—into our circle? Observe how many avenues God has established to bind us together.