”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 8:28New International Version (NIV)
Romans 8:28 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
In all things God works for the good of those who love him
In Romans 8:28, Paul declares that “he knows that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. And Paul’s declaration in this epistle to the Romans is among the most well-known and most quoted in the Bible.
Therefore, the promise of this verse is very reassuring because it means that no matter the circumstance, God will work all things (both good and bad) for your good. But there are two qualifiers for God to work all things together for your good.
Love
Consequently, the first qualifier is this: God works for “the good of those who love Him.” Because the first and greatest commandment demands that you love God.
Therefore, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27 all command you to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength”. That is, you are to love God with your emotions (heart), desire (soul), thoughts (mind), and force (strength).
Moreover, the verb love, according to its Greek equivalent, means to prefer God (take pleasure in Him and prize Him above all), wish Him well, and regard His welfare.
Nevertheless, if you love God, then you can trust that He is working for your good in all circumstances. God loves you back – when you love someone, you will seek their welfare. And He loved you way before creation.
Calling
Secondly, God works for “those who are called according to His purpose.” And therefore, God’s call over your life then becomes the second qualifier for God working all things for your good.
Consequently, you should realize that following God entails submitting to His purpose for you. You have been called by Him for good works that He prepared for your life (Ephesians 2:10).
One plus one equals one
All in all, the wording of this verse suggests that these two qualifiers, that is, loving God and experiencing His call, are actually one. Therefore, those who love God are called according to His purpose, and vice versa. That is, this verse includes loving God and being called to His purpose.
Therefore, this verse is a promise for believers (real believers). Those who are in and living for Christ. It is not for those who claim to believe in God but are living in sin (rebellion).
Prayer/Blessing
Father, most often than not, I can’t understand how You can bring good from the bad of my life. I, therefore, struggle to trust you with the ashes of my life.
Your Word reveals that without faith it is impossible to please You. And I sure want to please You, and trust You. I want You to make me more like Jesus and use my trials for my good and Your glory.
Please help me live according to Your promise in Romans 8 verse 28. I pray this in the powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Acts 1-3 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
