Saint Luke of Crimea on guarding speech and spiritual armor

The post shares a passage from Saint Luke of Crimea urging believers to restrain their tongues from lies, slander, condemnation, quarrels, and backbiting. He writes that such restraint gradually purifies the heart, turning it from a dwelling of demons into a temple of the Holy Spirit. The saint then cites the armor of God from Ephesians 6, the breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, and stresses that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.

He asks why Christians would not use this divine armor and answers that it is obtained only through faith and prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ, unceasing practice of the virtues prescribed in His holy law, constant remembrance of this protection, and daily effort to fulfill and keep all His commandments.