¹² Jehovah’s goodness passed before Moses’ face the next day on Mount Sinai. At that time, Moses got a glimpse of God’s glory and heard this declaration: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, preserving loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons and upon grandsons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) These words indicate that Jehovah’s goodness is related to his loving-kindness and other aspects of his personality. Considering these will help us to display goodness. Let us first consider the quality mentioned twice in this marvelous declaration of God’s goodness.

13. In the declaration of God’s goodness, what quality is mentioned twice, and why is this fitting?

¹³ “Jehovah [is] a God . . . abundant in loving-kindness . . . , preserving loving-kindness for thousands.” The Hebrew word translated “loving-kindness” also means “loyal love.” It is the only quality listed twice in God’s declaration to Moses. How fitting, since Jehovah’s dominant quality is love! (1 John 4:8) The well-known expression of praise to Jehovah “for he is good, for his loving-kindness is to time indefinite” highlights this quality.

19. What outstanding display of goodness has Jehovah shown toward repentant sinners?

¹⁹ “Jehovah [is] a God . . . pardoning error and transgression and sin.” In his goodness, Jehovah is ready to forgive repentant sinners. We surely are very grateful that our loving heavenly Father has made provision for forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice. (1 John 2:1, 2) We are happy, indeed, that all who exercise faith in the ransom are able to enjoy a favored relationship with Jehovah, with the hope of endless life in his promised new world. What outstanding reasons to praise Jehovah for displaying goodness toward mankind!—2 Peter 3:13.

20. What proof do we have that God does not condone badness?

²⁰ “By no means will [Jehovah] give exemption from punishment.” This is actually another reason to laud Jehovah for his goodness. Why? Because a vital aspect of goodness is that it does not condone badness in any way. Moreover, “at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels,” vengeance will be brought “upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news.” They “will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) The surviving worshipers of Jehovah will then be able to enjoy life to the full without being disturbed by ungodly men, who are “without love of goodness.”—2 Timothy 3:1-3.