Some Worldly Wisdom Commonly Confused with Romans 8:28.

“all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose”

Romans 8:28 doesn’t mean:

1. “Every cloud has a silver lining.”

The “good” in Romans 8:28 is not in the things themselves, it’s in their divine purpose.

2. “Things just have a way of working themselves out for the best.”

Romans 8:28 is not about benevolent fate, it’s about a personal God who takes care of those who love him.

3. “If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade”.

Romans 8:28 is not a command, it’s a promise. The good that God purposes in the lives of the called is not dependant on human efforts.

4. “God helps those who help themselves.”

God’s promise in Romans 8:28 is unconditional and applies to those who are called and love God, not those who are self reliant.

5. “Trust God, but keep your powder dry.”

There are no exceptions or surprises for God. He works all things together for his good purposes.”

6. “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”

We can be assured that the things in our lives truly work for good, even if they appear not to.

Common Recent Misuse of Romans 8:28:

At ecumenical ceremony honoring those who died on 9/11, speaker saying “All things work together for good.”

Several important elements are missing from this misquote:

It’s not fate or the things themselves, it’s God who does the working.

It’s not a promise for everybody, but for the called/those who love God.

It’s not our perceptions of good and evil (as in “How can God let that happen?) it’s God’s good according to his purpose, which we may never know or understand (Deut 29:29).