In this short passage, God defines Himself by several characteristics: compassionate (cares about us), gracious (gives beyond our deserving), slow to anger (patient with us), faithfully loving (steadfast in His care for us), truthful (trustworthy and honest), forgiving (ready to accept our repentance), and just (always fair). He was, He is, and He always will be the same God who walked in the garden with Adam and Eve, the same God who in love sent Jesus to take our sins, the same God who wants a relationship with His created beings. Because He never changes, we can trust Him to always be who He says He is: our compassionate, gracious, forgiving, faithful Father.