[And] we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28
If you have been part of Christian circles for a while, then it's likely that the words of Romans 8:28 are familiar. Let’s imagine for a moment that this is the first time you have heard this verse.
The verse says, “For those who love God all things work together for good.” Consider, however, the kinds of things that those who love God may encounter: chronic illness, natural disasters, car trouble, belittling comments, infertility, divorce, loss of a loved one, or beheading. We may wonder, Is Paul terribly naïve to the troubles of this life? Is he unaware of the heart-wrenching pain that comes even to those who love God?
When we review the context of Romans 8, we find, in fact, that Paul is much acquainted with pain. He writes, “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly” (vv. 22-23a). He even goes on to say, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered” (v. 36b). Paul himself would be killed for the name of Jesus. He was no stranger to suffering.
What, then, did Paul mean? Let’s turn our attention to the “who” in our passage. The verse speaks of “those who love God” and “those who are called according to his purpose.” We could spend a long time digging into these words, but here are just two thoughts.
Why would these people, who may expect to be regarded as sheep to be slaughtered, love God? Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Here is cause for enduring, joy-filled love for God: He gave his Son for us! His heart toward us in Christ is ever for our good. He will hold nothing back since he already gave the greatest gift.
What then is the “calling” and “purpose” we have in Christ? Verses 29-30 not only unpack these ideas but also help to explain the “good” that is unshakably ours in Jesus: “For those whom [God] foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
In Christ, we have been called and appointed to be reshaped from the inside out into the reflection of our beautiful Savior. God purposes that his people will grow in the “family resemblance” of our great brother, Jesus. Whether we encounter joyful days or the most painful suffering, God will be unfailingly working out His good plan and purpose. What is the end of this purpose? Glory. Romans 8:18 says it like this, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Whether these words are new and surprising to you, or familiar bedrock, take fresh joy and fresh courage in the confidence that today’s troubles and graces are all being used for good for everyone who belongs to Christ. Just like Paul, we may be sure “that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
For Reflection
What are you facing today that is most challenging to see as good?
What is God’s greatest proof of His love and intentions for good in the lives of His people? What does it mean to you that God “did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all”?
Are you tempted to think that God is indifferent or uncaring when His people suffer? What does Romans 8:26 tell you about the way the Spirit helps us in our weakness in times we don’t understand?