How do we know that God is gracious and merciful?

God openly reveals His attributes to Moses, stating, 'I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy' (Exodus 34:19). This demonstration of grace and mercy is contingent upon the recognition that God’s law must first be honored. His character is inherently gracious and merciful, yet He cannot compromise His justice. The revelation of God’s goodness is complete only when we acknowledge that His grace operates in harmony with His justice, thereby making His mercy truly profound and meaningful in the context of His holiness.