THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Do you perceive the numerous ties of affection that God has established? Within all of this are the inherent assurances of harmony. In truth, a shared nature fosters such bonds—‘every animal loves the like of itself’ (Sir. 13:19)—with the wife emerging from the husband and children from both. Consequently, there are various forms of love: we may cherish one as a father, another as a grandfather, one as a mother, yet another as a caregiver, as well as loving a son, grandson, or great-grandson, a daughter or granddaughter, a brother, or even a nephew, and equally a sister or niece. But why categorize all forms of kinship? God has implemented another principle for love; by prohibiting marriages among relatives, He has drawn us toward those who are not related, creating closeness with them.
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As they lack natural ties to us, He has connected them in another manner—through matrimony, uniting entire households through one bride and linking families together. He instructed, “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 kinds of relationships that are prohibited. Your love for them is sufficient, being born of the same womb or connected in some other way. Why, then, should the breadth of love be limited? Instead, should we not enhance our inclination to love here, seizing the opportunity to form bonds with strangers, acquiring additional family members such as mothers, fathers, brothers, and their neighbors? Do you see the multitude of ways God has brought us together?