Finding Peace and Purpose in God's Love: Understanding 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.” (NIV)  

If you are in the middle of devastation, loss, profound illness, or other such suffering this verse can comfort you.  But it is human nature to question the divine goodness of God in such times.

This verse sits in the middle of a chapter that starts with a reminder that God sent Jesus to take on the weight of all the sin and suffering we would ever deal with in this life.  Jesus CHOSE to experience the suffering of this world, so that his life would be the perfect sin offering to render those that believe in Him free from the condemnation of sin.  Because Jesus surrendered himself to God’s will by his death, the sin and suffering of this life does not curse the life of the Believer.

Jesus took on the curse of all we would ever deal with and proclaimed us free.  Free from carrying the weight of sin’s curse and its punishment.  An immeasurable amount of good was accomplished here.  Faith in this lightens one’s burden in the middle of suffering.  But the Apostle Paul tells us that God works good in all things, including in our own suffering, as we love and seek the will of God.  

We don’t accomplish this work of good.  God works for the good when the believer surrenders to his purpose.  There is security and peace of mind here.  

The end of Romans 8 tells us that Jesus is continuing to work on our behalf, and nothing can separate us from His love.  As humans we can’t fully know the will and purpose of God.  But we can trust that He will use what we surrender to Him for His good glory and purpose, whether for temporal good or eternal good.  Whatever you’re suffering in this life, consider surrendering it to God’s love and purpose.