28 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 American Standard Version (ASV)
28 And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
This verse has become very meaningful to me recently. My children still aren't reconciled to me, my parents moved across the country in their 80s, my job is in jeopardy as I write this. Much of this is my own fault, as well.
Some observations about what Paul writes:
- Paul does not say that the good things will work together for good.
- Paul does not say that the things I've done right will work together for good.
- Paul does say all things. That includes the things that I've done well, the things that I've done badly or for the wrong motives. It includes even sin and the effects of sin.
God is bigger than our mistakes and our errors and our sins, and he will work these things out for good. This is not an excuse for doing things poorly or sinning, but it is a great comfort to know in times of difficulty, even difficulties that are of our own making.
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