Romans 8:28 is a verse many Christians hold close, often quoting it during challenging times for comfort and reassurance. In the New International Version (NIV), it reads: "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." This verse suggests that no matter what happens, God is orchestrating everything for our benefit if we love Him and are living according to His purpose.
However, New Testament scholar N.T. Wright, who is highly regarded for his extensive work on Paul’s writings, especially the Book of Romans, offers a different take on this verse. Wright, who has dedicated much of his life to interpreting Romans, particularly chapter 8, suggests that the traditional translation may not fully capture what Paul intended to convey. He argues that a small but significant word might have been mistranslated, which changes the entire meaning of the verse.
The Importance of the Word "Of"
The traditional translation of Romans 8:28 uses the word "of" in the phrase “God works for the good of those who love him.” Wright points out that this tiny word might be the wrong choice. He suggests that the verse would be more accurately translated with the word "with" instead of "of." This small change shifts the meaning dramatically. The verse should read: "And we know that in all things, God works for the good with those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
This difference might seem minor at first glance, but it profoundly impacts our understanding of how God operates in our lives.
God Works With Us, Not Just For Us
Wright explains that Paul’s message in this verse is twofold. First, it is indeed God who is working all things together for good. But second, and equally important, God does not do this in isolation. He collaborates with us, His followers, to bring about good in the world. The shift from "of" to "with" changes the verse from a statement about God’s actions on our behalf to an invitation to participate in His work.
This understanding implies that God is not merely sorting out the mess in our lives while we sit back and watch. Instead, He is calling us to join Him in the process of redemption. We are not passive recipients of God’s goodness; we are active participants in bringing it into the world.
Living Out the "With" Translation
What does this change look like in practical terms? It means that when we encounter difficulties, either in our own lives or in the lives of others, our role is not just to trust that God will work everything out for the best. Instead, we are called to actively engage with God to bring about good.
Consider the following scenarios:
● Health Issues: If a friend is diagnosed with a serious illness, the traditional interpretation might lead us to offer comfort by saying, “Don’t worry; God will bring good out of this.” But if we embrace the "with" translation, we recognize that we have a role to play. We might accompany our friend to medical appointments, research potential treatments, or simply be present during difficult times, offering practical and emotional support.
● Job Loss: When someone we care about loses their job, we could tell them, “God will take care of you,” according to the traditional understanding. However, if we understand that God works with us, we might take action by helping them update their resume, connecting them with job opportunities, or providing financial assistance while they search for new employment.
● Family Struggles: If a friend is struggling with a difficult family situation, such as a child coming out as LGBTQ, the typical response might be to reassure them that God will work it out. But understanding that God works with us encourages us to be more involved. We might offer a listening ear, provide support to both the parent and the child, and help them find a community where they feel accepted and loved.
The Call to Active Compassion
This shift in understanding from "of" to "with" invites us to be more engaged with the pain and struggles around us. Instead of offering platitudes, we are called to be agents of God’s goodness in the world. This requires us to stay open to the pain we encounter, even when it feels overwhelming, and to let it move us to action.
Romans 8:26 provides further insight into how we can live out this call. It reminds us that even when we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with “wordless groans.” In these moments of confusion and helplessness, God is with us, helping us align our prayers with His will. And as we pray, God often reveals how we can help, guiding us to be His hands and feet in a broken world.
Becoming More Like Christ
N.T. Wright emphasizes that as we engage in this collaborative work with God, we are shaped into the image of Christ. By sharing in the pain of the world and actively participating in God’s redemptive work, we become more like Jesus. This transformation doesn’t happen through passive waiting, but through active involvement in bringing God’s goodness into every situation.
Practical Steps to Live Out Romans 8:28
Be Attentive to Pain: Keep your heart open to the struggles of those around you. Don’t shy away from the pain you encounter; instead, let it prompt you to action.
Pray with Expectation: When you pray for others, do so with the expectation that God will reveal how you can help. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you in aligning your actions with God’s will.
Take Practical Action: When God shows you how to help, be obedient. Whether it’s offering practical assistance, emotional support, or simply being present, your actions can be a conduit of God’s grace.
Be Persistent: Continue to support those in need, even when the initial crisis has passed. Transformation takes time, and your ongoing involvement can make a significant difference.
Conclusion: Embrace the "With"
By understanding Romans 8:28 through the lens of "with" rather than "of," we are invited into a deeper partnership with God. This perspective shifts our focus from passive trust in God’s plan to active participation in His work. It calls us to be engaged, compassionate, and persistent in bringing about God’s goodness in a hurting world.
Who in your life needs to experience God’s goodness today? How can you partner with God to bring about good in their situation? As you step out in faith, remember that this is where true transformation happens—for them and for you.