THEOSISGregory the Great
The defenses of transgressors are rigid and intricately linked, preventing any breath of life from the mouths of the preachers from reaching them. It is typical for individuals who are bound together by shared sin to stubbornly protect each other's wrongdoings. In fact, there is often a fear within one’s self when witnessing another's encouragement and transformation. This is why there is resistance to words that seek to correct, as one defends oneself through the actions of another. Observe how accurately it is stated: one influences the other so closely that no space exists between them, for while they safeguard one another in their iniquity through this arrogant defense, they block any fragrance of holy teaching from penetrating.
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Moreover, it is plainly stated regarding such a detrimental unity: they cling closely together, remaining in a tight bond and refusing to distance themselves. Those who could find reformation while alone choose instead to persist in their sinfulness when united. Each day, they drift further from the understanding of righteousness, becoming more firmly attached to one another and increasingly isolated from any form of instruction.