Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Context and meaning
This verse is often used to comfort someone right after a tragedy, and that is where it tends to hurt more than help. It is worth reading carefully what it says — and what it does not.
It does not say that all things are good. It says that all things work together for good. The image is of ingredients: some are bitter on their own, but they go into a recipe whose final result is something else. Paul writes this in a chapter that speaks explicitly of suffering, groaning and waiting.
It is also worth noticing the boundary: "to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose". It is not a general law of the universe; it is a promise inside a relationship.
And the "good" is defined in the next verse: to be conformed to the image of the Son. That is, the good promised is character formation and final destiny, not necessarily immediate comfort. Said honestly, this verse comforts more on the second day than on the first.
Related verses
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.
This verse appears in
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.
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