Singles’ World November Edition ’24

FOUNDATIONAL ISSUES IN MARRIAGE: GENOTYPE INCOMPATIBILITY 2

Welcome to the November edition of the Singles’ World. In the last edition, I discussed genotype incompatibility as another foundational issue that has disrupted many marriages and made many homes miserable in life. I also discussed the position of the Faith-Based School of Thought that believes that genotype incompatibility is not important in marriage because reliance on God’s guidance is superior to scientific guidance. In addition, I discussed the position of the Scientific or Pragmatic School of Thought that emphasises genotype compatibility to avoid marital calamity.

In this edition, I want to give you the second part of my discourse on genotype compatibility. This is to further deepen our knowledge of genotype compatibility in marriage. It is true we do not have direct Biblical references to support the need for genotype compatibility in marriage, and the Bible does not explicitly mention genotype compatibility as one of the principles to deploy to have harmony in marriage. However, there are Biblical references to show that God has set some boundaries for Christian marriage which can also be applied to genotype compatibility. The purpose is to guide our marriages against what could have been avoided. Obedience is better than sacrifice. I will now address the other compatibilities in the Bible to show the need for genotype compatibility.

Salvation or Faith Compatibility:

The Bible talks explicitly about the need for Christians not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, especially in a marriage relationship according to 2 Cor. 6:14-16. In other words, a Christian is incompatible with an unbeliever in a marriage relationship. 1 Cor. 7:39 says “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” This scripture emphasises the importance of compatibility within the bounds of faith. While many sound ministers of God preach and support this theology, some do not emphasise it. Even some youths today do not really bother about faith compatibility when considering their marriage plans just as some do not bother about genotype compatibility which is fundamental to the joy and fulfilment of marriages.

Blood Group Transfusion Compatibility

In the medical sciences, the place of blood group compatibility cannot be easily over-emphasised. The blood group system has been categorised into: A, B, AB, and O. According to the rules,

• A can receive from A and O

• B can receive from B and O

• AB can receive from AB, A, B, and O

• O can receive from O (universal donor)

• A and B are incompatible

• A and AB are incompatible

• B and AB are incompatible

• O and A or B are incompatible

No blood transfusion can be done without first carrying out blood type compatibility tests. This cannot be contested or challenged. Those who have faith to allow AS + AS or AS + SS to be married on the grounds that they are following the guidance of God, should also apply faith and jettison the blood group compatibility test and risk severe haemolytic reactions. The Bible is quiet on Blood Group Compatibility Test, and yet those who need blood transfusion services submit themselves to this test and improve their health conditions. I see those who counsel people against genotype compatibility test as religious zealots, and those who marry without checking their genotype compatibility are taking very serious risks about their lives. Even those who object to blood group transfusion for their children because of their religious doctrines are not right from the legal point of view. Of course, nobody can force an adult to submit himself or herself to any medical services against his or her will.

When God created Adam, He created a woman that was compatible with him. In Genesis 2:18, The Bible in Basic English says” I will make one like himself as a help to him” and “I will make a suitable companion to help him” (GNT). The Bible here talks about a wife that is suitable for Adam; a wife that is like Adam. God made a wife that was compatible with and suitable for Adam. So, suitability can be used synonymously with compatibility. God wanted a woman that would be suitable for Adam. God did not have to mention blood genotype specifically.

I am of the view that God is not against genotype compatibility in our marriage relationships. When we neglect this very important issue of life as we run our lives, we are endangering our lives and the lives of our unborn children. When we submit ourselves to the genotype compatibility test to guide our decision in marriage, we are not in any way compromising divine guidance to enjoy our marriage. Don’t start the battle that you cannot fight or win.

By the grace of God, we will continue from here next month. Please do not forget to send me your comments and testimonies. If you are not born again, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ today. Tomorrow may be too late. Until then, God bless you. Amen.

Pastor Jide Ajidahun