28. And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.
Whether you hear it or you see it posted on social media, one of the most quoted scriptures is Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good…” But that is not where the verse ends. Without including the words “to them that love God” and “to them who are the called according to His purpose“, false expectations are formed in the hearts of believers — and unnecessary doubt is planted in the minds of unbelievers.
Romans 8 begins with the famous declaration “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” We see that the “called” in verse 28 are those who are in Christ Jesus and those who walk according to the Spirit. Paul solidifies this in verse 14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Today we would say “children of God.” These verses clarify exactly who loves God and have been called according to His purpose.
By contrast, Romans 1:5 teaches, “For they that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh“, and Paul leaves no doubt that they are not called by God when he says, “Because the carnal mind is enmity agaisnt God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” These verses clarify those who do not love God and have not yet been called by Him. This does not mean that they will never be called nor that they cannot seek God for themselves — only that Romans 8:28 is not a blanket promise the way not fully quoting the verse suggests.
If you ask a person what are the “good things” God gives them, they will almost always list their material possessions, their relationship and friendships, and the job that pays their bills. While the list will vary from person to person, each one would include the things that they pray for. But if we keep Romans 8:28 in its intended context, we notice that the “things” Paul speaks of are not material or physical — and they do not stand alone. In fact, according to the text, these “things” are working: “all things work together for good.”
Paul is not describing blessings that come from answered prayers or even the things we hope for. He’s speaking of things we probably never pray for at all — yet, if we see them through to their end, will produce the results that we did pray for. If we look at our lives as part of a collective of individuals, instead of viewing only our individual life, we begin to see that it often takes a divine cooperation of circumstances for God’s plan to unfold in our lives, and to receive the “good things” we desire. After all, every believer is a part of the larger Body of Christ — the true Church — and this is how “all things work together.” Paul is saying that the trials, tribulations, and even afflictions we face are the very instruments God uses to produce good things in our lives. He is explaining to the Roman believers, and to us, that there are spiritual processes God works through to shape His children into the image of Christ.
When reading the New Testament it is always good to remember that the writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit to often reflect on the Old Testament. Paul even teaches us to learn from it when he says in 1 Corinthians 10:11, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” From the Old Testament we not only learn about God’s discipline and chastisement for disobedience and idolatry — we also learn how to please God and receive the desires of our heart.
God does want us to speak and pray with thanksgiving, but He also wants us to show our love by seeking Him. First Chronicles 22:19 says, “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God.” Jesus set this example throughout his eathly ministry by how often and the circumstances that led Him to prayer. After a long day of healing, He withdrew to pray (Mark 1:35). He used prayer in parables (Luke 8:19-14). He taught the disciples how to pray (Luke 11:2-4 & Matthew 6:9-13), where to pray (Matthew 6:6), and even how not to pray (Matthew 6:7-8). Jesus showed that a heart that seeks the Father is one that stays in communion with Him through prayer.
Another way of showing your love for God — not only to Him, but to all you encounter — is by righteous living. Psalm 84:11 teaches us, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Our God keeps His promises and cannot lie. When we walk according to the ways of Christ, God becomes our provider for all we need, our shield from what is meant to harm us, a deliverer of the grace and glory that brings peace and comfort to our lives, and the light that shines through us to draw others to Him. Bringing glory to His name is His purpose for each one He calls — and only those who love Him have a heart posture willing to bring glory to His name.
Romans 8:28 stands as a strong reminder that sometimes a single word or phrase gives more meaning to a verse than an entire sentence. Prayers are often made asking God to deliver us out of a situation. Promises of changing our ways are made if God would grant us this one “thing” we believe will make us feel good. But we must remember: God measures our motives by what’s in our hearts. We can lie to each other but we cannot lie to God.
Perhaps this is why God warns in Leviticus 19:12, “And ye shall not swear by name falsely” and Jesus warns in Matthew 5:34 “But I say unto you, swear not at all, neither by Heaven, for it is God’s throne.” Ulterior motives and false promises do not go unnoticed by God — And they are often the reason a situation is prolonged instead of being resolved.
God always knows when prayer and actions are born out of genuine love for Him. When they are, that is when “all things work together for good” and begin producing good fruit in our lives — fruit that others can see, drawing them to seek God for themselves. This is God’s glory.