God will not abandon lost people, in this life or the next, but will continue to work for their conversion and transformation until everyone is saved. This view was widely held by early Christians, and is supported by many passages of Scripture and by the contention that God is more patient, loving and forgiving than human parents who would not punish their own children without end. This is important because the teaching of a God of eternal damnation causes many people to reject God and consequently experience hell. On the other hand, the message of an unconditionally loving, forgiving and saving God leads many previously disillusioned people to cheerfully embrace God. Also, people's perceptiion of God determines how they live their lives. If they believe God is judgmental, vengeful, and unforgiving they can easily justify acting that way themselves. But if they believe God is loving, kind, patient and forgiving, people are more likely to act that way as well.