It’s easy to have preconceived notions about people, and not really see them. We do it all the time. In fact, our brains are wired to make quick assessments of people and situations for our safety. How someone is dressed as we walk past him on the street may determine whether we smile or cross over to the other side. We also do it with people we know very well. We assume that we know their thoughts and motives. And that means we miss out on the rich, ever-changing complexity of the people we encounter, both strangers and long-term friends.

Many of us do the same thing with God as we do with pe...