We have not yet gotten hold of a simple but profound truth in Scripture.  It is this: THE WAY WE RELATE TO PEOPLE SHOWS THAT WE HAVE, OR HAVE NOT, EXPERIENCED GOD THE WAY HE IS.  Read this carefully:  “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and THIS SHOWS THAT WE HAVE NOT FULLY EXPERIENCED HIS PERFECT LOVE” (1 John 4:18B NLT).  Soak that in for a minute!  We experience God’s love as mercy and grace.  If we are not living our lives in unconditional love, generous mercy and grace, then we have not come to know God like God is.  To experience God as He truly is keeps on transforming our actions and all human relationships.  Living out the true knowledge of our Abba is forever bringing us to maturity.