Why do you fear the Friend of sinners?

St. Jacob of Sarug concludes his homily on repentance by calling sinners to be content with the Friend of sinners. For as much as He does not accept sin, He is very gentle with sinners, to carry them on His shoulders so that any evil may not approach them.

He says, “O sinner, your path is easy if you repent. When you come to Him, He will not greet you with hostility. The righteous one is to be feared, but do not be afraid when you draw near Him … He left all the others to carry you on His shoulders. Blessed is He who came and through whom the sinners entered and in whom they were justified. To Him be the glory from all His creation, forever. Amen.”