Interpreting Romans 8:28

I was reading a devotional and something this author wrote has disturbed me. “Secondly, God promises that he will work out everything to our good, and the good of others, as long as we obey Him” (Romans 8:28) Am I to believe that God is NOT going to work everything to my good because I’m disobedient?

Q. I was reading a devotional and something this author wrote has disturbed me.

“Secondly, God promises that he will work out everything to our good, and the good of others, as long as we obey Him” (Romans 8:28)

As far as I know this Scripture reads this way:

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

I do realize that if someone loves God they are going to make every attempt to obey God except that I know there are so many many times I do not obey God and some of these times I’m totally aware that I’m not. (One of these areas is what I choose to eat and not eat … most of the time I’m disobedient but don’t want to be).

So am I to believe that God is NOT going to work everything to my good because I’m disobedient? If this is so, Why should I trust God for anything? Or even believe that He loves me?

Thank you as always for everything you do with your wonderful web site.

A. The only possible basis for this interpretation lies in Paul’s use of the Greek word agapeo, which is translated love. Agapeo means to be totally given over to the object of one’s love regardless of the response. The author could be interpreting this to mean that those who love the Lord in that way are always obedient.

But even so the word means love, not obedience. Total obedience without love could not meet the requirements of the verse, but love without total obedience could.

I would venture to say that the author of the devotional could not meet his own standard, for none of us is totally obedient.