Podcast Summary: "Learning to Trust That You Are Lovable"
Living Influence with Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd
Episode: Learning to Trust That You Are Lovable
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled “Learning to Trust That You Are Lovable,” co-hosts Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd delve deep into the transformative power of grace in the Christian journey. Building upon their ongoing conversation about grace and personal identity in Christ, they explore how embracing God's view of ourselves can significantly enhance our influence and relationships. This discussion is enriched with personal anecdotes, biblical insights, and practical exercises aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of one's worthiness and lovability through God's grace.
The Foundation of Grace and Personal Identity
Scott begins the conversation by reiterating the importance of grace in his maturation as a saint. He emphasizes that believing who God says he is—the righteous and loved one—has been pivotal in receiving God's love:
Scott [00:23]: “We were talking about beginning to believe who God says I am, the Christian life being defined by me beginning to believe who God says I am.”
Bill echoes Scott’s sentiments, highlighting their joint efforts to help others experience grace:
Bill [01:00]: “We spend a lot of time together, Scott, and trying to... how do we experience grace and how do we help others experience grace?”
Biblical Insights on Holiness and the Holy Spirit
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the theological underpinnings of holiness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Bill references Ephesians 1 and Romans 8 to illustrate how the presence of the Holy Spirit serves as evidence of one's holiness and belonging to Christ:
Bill [02:15]: “...an exercise where you take Ephesians chapter one and write down everything that God says is true about you.”
Bill [04:02]: “The Holy Spirit is in you is a great evidence that you belong to Christ.”
Scott further elaborates on how trusting in God's truth about oneself can shift the focus away from self-centered behaviors and shame:
Scott [06:18]: “...it's like I'm examining everything I do... if I begin to imagine that what God says is true about me... it takes my eyes off of me.”
Overcoming Shame and Embracing Lovability
Both hosts confront the pervasive issue of shame and the struggle to accept one's own worthiness. Bill shares his personal battle with believing he is lovable, a struggle rooted in a childhood shaped by the lie that he didn’t matter:
Bill [07:40]: “I will never like me until I'm convinced I'm lovable. Shame will convince me that I am not worth knowing.”
This candid admission paves the way for a heartfelt discussion on the necessity of trusting in God's affirmation of our lovability. They discuss the transformative impact of allowing others to love and trust them, moving from being "the lover" to "the lovey," where the focus shifts from controlling relationships to allowing love to flow freely.
Bill [09:51]: “God, convince me that I'm lovable... I was scared to death. Gotta be known.”
Personal Stories and Testimonies
Scott shares his journey of grappling with his self-worth, influenced by his father's alcoholism and absence. He recounts how discovering biblical truths and seeking God's guidance led him to embrace his identity in Christ:
Scott [10:23]: “My dad was an alcoholic. He left when I was in fifth grade... because somebody told them I love you, and they believed it.”
Bill relates his own experiences, emphasizing the importance of trusting God and others with one's vulnerability:
Bill [12:07]: “I begin to trust me... because the spirit of God challenged me. Challenged me. Bill, let them trust you. Because, Bill, I've made you trustworthy.”
The Role of Grace in Overcoming Crises
The conversation transitions to how grace is essential in navigating life's crises. Bill and Scott discuss their roles in helping others experience grace rather than solely focusing on solving problems:
Bill [19:03]: “The solution to the crisis is that you experience grace.”
Scott shares his experience with losing his wife and how grace became a cornerstone in rebuilding his life and business:
Scott [22:04]: “God was with us. It was a hard time... God gave me this passion for grace because it's changed my life so much.”
Biblical Modeling and Purpose
Drawing parallels with Apostle Paul's boldness in preaching to the Gentiles, both hosts reflect on their own callings to come alongside others and facilitate their experience of grace:
Scott [14:22]: “I want to imagine it's Paul's example. But is it ours? Do I believe, like Paul, that I have been set apart by God, chosen of God?”
Bill articulates his mission to help others experience grace and discover their God-given purposes:
Bill [18:59]: “To come alongside people so that they can experience grace.”
Practical Application and Closing Thoughts
The episode concludes with actionable insights on how listeners can internalize and live out the truths discussed. Bill introduces interactive prayers to reinforce trust in God's love and one's own trustworthiness:
Bill [11:40]: “Spirit of God who is in me, teach me to trust you with me.”
Both hosts reiterate the transformative power of grace, encouraging listeners to let it change everything in their lives:
Scott [24:14]: “Grace changes everything. It literally does.”
Conclusion
“Learning to Trust That You Are Lovable” is a profound exploration of self-identity through the lens of divine grace. Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd eloquently discuss the necessity of embracing God's truth about our worthiness and lovability to enhance our personal influence and relationships. Through biblical teachings, personal testimonies, and practical exercises, they offer a roadmap for listeners to overcome shame, trust in God's love, and live out their God-given purposes with authenticity and grace.
Notable Quotes:
- Scott [00:23]: “We were talking about beginning to believe who God says I am, the Christian life being defined by me beginning to believe who God says I am.”
- Bill [04:02]: “The Holy Spirit is in you is a great evidence that you belong to Christ.”
- Bill [07:40]: “I will never like me until I'm convinced I'm lovable. Shame will convince me that I am not worth knowing.”
- Scott [10:23]: “My dad was an alcoholic. He left when I was in fifth grade... because somebody told them I love you, and they believed it.”
- Bill [11:40]: “Spirit of God who is in me, teach me to trust you with me.”
- Scott [24:14]: “Grace changes everything. It literally does.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting the critical discussions on grace, self-worth, and the transformative journey of trusting in God’s love. Whether you're a regular listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers valuable insights into living a life defined by divine grace and unconditional lovability.