Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

-   Romans 8:28

This verse in Romans is perhaps one of the most comforting verses in the New Testament to the average reader. You have probably heard sermons and lessons on this verse before, all explaining how even in rough times, God is still working things out for your good. There are 3 important things to note about this verse. The first is perhaps the most obvious. In all things God works for the good of those who love him. God works through good things and he redeems things intended for evil and transforms them into good things. So many things we go through in our daily grind seem to have no significant spiritual value, and it takes a true Christian with true faith to believe and have faith that God is completely in control.

The second part is where things tend to break away from what you’ve heard before. For whom does God work for the good of? Those who love him! All of the sudden this verse just got enormously exclusive. If you don’t love God more than yourself then you don’t really love God. Loving God is the #1 thing we are called to do as Christians, and most people that call themselves Christians don’t even really love God. If you don’t truly love God, then this verse no longer applies to you.

The third part narrows it down even further. Those who have been called according to his purpose. Have you been called according to God’s purpose? Is your life a sacrifice to God? Have you volunteered your life for God’s purpose? If you haven’t, then this verse no longer applies to you.

It is important to remember that the good that this verse speaks of is eternal, spiritual good, not necessarily earthly good. God promises future glory to those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. If you don’t love God and haven’t truly given your life for his purpose, then all things might not be working out for your spiritual good.