There are many passages that speak of God love in the bible but none more important than what Paul has to say here. These verses describe God’s unfailing love and his plan for our lives, and the assurance that nothing can separate us from His love. Paul begins with an important statement: “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.” Here, we see the foundational truth that God is all powerful and all loving. He watches over everything in our lives, even the trials and tribulations, to bring about good.
Don’t misunderstand what Paul is saying. He is not saying that God creates trials, tribulations and suffering to bring about good. No, these exist in the world because our world has fallen away from God. But God doesn’t abandon us – just as Joseph declared when his brothers committed evil against him. He said to them – what you intended for evil, God used for good. Through their evil God used Joseph to feed the world during a 7 year famine. Life presents us with challenges at times that often leave us questioning God’s goodness. Illness, financial struggles, relationship issues—these can hide the goodness of God. Yet, Paul assures us that God is at work.
We may not see the immediate results, but God’s purpose for us is eternal life. We must understand that God’s definition of goodness may differ from ours. God’s goodness is about us not losing our faith and reaching eternal life. God’s desire is for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. The presence of suffering does NOT mean the absence of God’s love. But through faith we can experience, as Paul said earlier, the formation of character, deeper faith, and a hope that assures us of God’s love for us. In everything, God’s love and eternal plan for us remains paramount. And that’s what Paul means when he says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
What does predestined mean? It means that God’s plan is for all people to be saved. Does that mean everyone is saved?
No. Because of free will we can reject God’s gift but God doesn’t stop loving us and working to call us back to him. Each one of us is called to a distinct purpose. God knows us intimately; He has a divine calling for our lives. We are not accidents or mere byproducts of evolution; we are chosen and cherished. This is what Paul means in Ephesians 2 when he says – For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Notice 2 things – we are God’s masterpiece and he has planned good works for us long ago
So being predestined calls us to adoption as God’s children. This identity confers not just privilege, but responsibility. As adopted heirs of Christ, we reflect His love and grace to the world. And despite all the opposition – despite all the ridicule – despite all the persecution it is comforting to hear Paul say – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” When God is our advocate, when God is in our corner, the forces of darkness and discouragement are, in fact, powerless against us. When faced with trials— physical, emotional, or spiritual—we have no fear. As King David says in Psalm 23 – even though I walk through the valley of he shadow of death – I will not be afraid because you are with me. And because God is with us then we are reminded that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
This is our victory: not through our strength but through His love. Our circumstances may be difficult at times, but with God’s love, we can endure! And God’s love, when it comes to God, is not negotiable. Paul says nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing! Not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword—none of it can sever our relationship with Him. This teaches us about the certainty of our salvation. As Paul says earlier in Romans. There is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Regardless of what we face, we can rest in the assurance that God’s love remains steadfast and sure.
God invites us to walk in faith, trusting that even our darkest days cannot extinguish His light and love. And we are invited to respond to the overwhelming love of God by sharing it with others. In a world filled with uncertainty, we are called to be beacons of hope. To speak words of encouragement, extend grace, and embody the love that we have received.
So while the road of life may be fraught with challenges, let us find comfort and assurance in the promises found in what Paul says about God’s love. God is sovereign, our identity is secure, our victory is certain, and His love is inescapable. May we walk in this truth, inviting the world to experience the eternal love of our Saviour.
