St. John Climicus: If you want to overcome the spirit of slander . . .

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“He who wants to overcome the spirit of slander, should not ascribe the blame to the person who falls, but to the demon who suggests it. For no one really wants to sin against God, even though we do all sin without being forced to do so.”

+ St. John Climicus, Step 10.5, Ladder of Divine Ascent