There are two qualifications that determine whether or not Romans 8:28 is true for YOU…
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.
Is love for God a feeling toward Him? Is loving God keeping His commands? Consider two thoughts…
First… John 14:15 is DESCRIPTIVE, not PRESCRIPTIVE. WHEN a person loves God, the WILL keep His commands… naturally… from the heart… joyfully. John 14:15 does NOT mean that we prove love for God by doing things for Him… ie, keeping His commands as we know from Acts 17:24-25…
The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things… (God does not need anything or anyone… NOR does He desire in order to be satisfied).
There is only ONE way anyone is able to love God. It is found in Deuteronomy 30:6!
Third, here is what love for God IS… (From John Piper):
Love for God is desiring God APART FROM HIS GIFTS (Forgiveness, Salvation, Heaven, Blessings, etc)…
Love for God is treasuring God APART FROM HIS GIFTS…
Love for God is delighting in God APART FROM HIS GIFTS…
Love for God is satisfaction in God APART FROM HIS GIFTS…
Love for God is cherishing God APART FROM HIS GIFTS…
Love for God is savoring God APART FROM HIS GIFTS…
Love for God is valuing God APART FROM HIS GIFTS…
Love for God is prizing God APART FROM HIS GIFTS…
Love for God is revearing God APART FROM HIS GIFTS…
Love for God is admiring God APART FROM HIS GIFTS.
Fourth, remember that Romans 8:28 is written in the context of suffering (8:15–A; 8:17–B; 8:18–A; 8:23–B; 8:26–A; 8:31–B; 8:35; 8:38-39-A). Circumstances and events are NOT proof of either God’s love OR displeasure!
In the words of Job (13:15)… “Though He slay me, still I will hope in Him.” If anything, difficulties are PROOF of your salvation (Phil 1:29)!
In the words of Habakkuk (3:17-19)… “Though the fig tree should not blossom… there be no fruit on the vines… the yield of the olive should fail… the fields produce no food… the flock should be cut off from the fold… and there be no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength…”