Influence is a powerful force in our lives, shaping our choices and impacting those around us. The Bible offers timeless wisdom on the importance of influence, guiding us to use it wisely and positively. Let’s explore key verses that highlight how we can be a positive influence in our communities.
Bible Verses About Influence
Matthew 5:13 – Our influence can preserve the world
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Relationships and influence are intertwined
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Bad company can corrupt good character
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Galatians 6:2 – We are called to bear each other’s burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
James 5:16 – Confession has the power to influence healing
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Matthew 28:19 – We are commanded to influence all nations
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 12:2 – Transform through the influence of God
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
1 Timothy 4:12 – Be an example of influence to others
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
Proverbs 1:10 – Wisdom can guide our influence
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”
Philippians 2:15 – Shine as lights in this world
“So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation, then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Colossians 3:23 – Work with the right heart to influence others
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – We influence others through God’s power
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
Luke 6:31 – Treat others how you’d like to be treated
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Titus 2:7 – Influence through good deeds
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”
Proverbs 12:26 – The righteous guide their neighbors
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
Mark 9:50 – We are called to be at peace and influence positively
“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
Romans 1:12 – Encourage others for mutual influence
“That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
1 Peter 2:12 – Our conduct can influence others
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule as an influential principle
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Ephesians 4:29 – Use your words to build others up
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Hebrews 10:24 – Stir one another toward love and good works
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Matthew 12:34 – Our words reflect our influence
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Proverbs 16:29 – Misguided influences can lead to harm
“A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.”
Isaiah 54:13 – God’s influence will bless our children
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
Romans 8:28 – God uses influence for good
“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.”
Psalm 119:37 – Seek God’s influence for direction
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are ambassadors for Christ
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
Proverbs 29:25 – Trusting in God over fear influences our path
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
John 15:13 – The greatest act of influence is selfless love
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Galatians 5:13 – Use your freedom to serve and influence
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
1 John 3:18 – Let us love not just in words but also in action
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Finding Yourself
What Does the Bible Say About Influence
In exploring the concept of influence, the Bible offers us numerous insights and teachings that shape our understanding. Influence, whether positive or negative, holds significant power in shaping our thoughts, actions, and lives. The scriptures guide us on how to use this power wisely and responsibly.
Firstly, we can look at the influence we have on others. The Bible encourages us to be a light in the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14-16). This metaphor underscores the responsibility we have to lead by example. Our actions and behaviors are to reflect godly values, influencing others positively and bringing glory to God.
The apostle Paul speaks extensively about influence in his letters. He emphasizes the importance of being models of good deeds and integrity. He advises us to avoid corrupting influences and to surround ourselves with those who uplift and encourage righteous living (1 Corinthians 15:33). The company we keep can profoundly shape our character, underscoring the need for discernment in our associations.
On the other hand, the Bible also provides warnings about negative influence. Jesus Himself warned about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, highlighting how a small amount of negative influence can corrupt a larger group (Matthew 16:6). It’s a reminder to guard our hearts and minds against teachings and behaviors that can lead us astray.
Moreover, influence is not just about person-to-person interactions. It encompasses the impact our words and actions have on broader communities. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue has the power of life and death, emphasizing the weight our words carry. What we say can encourage and uplift or harm and destroy.
Scripture also teaches us about the influence of role models. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, urging us to run the race set before us with endurance. We draw strength and inspiration from the faithful lives of those who have gone before us.
Ultimately, the Bible calls us to be mindful of both the influence we wield and the influences we allow into our lives. As ambassadors of Christ, we have an obligation to use our influence to foster love, truth, and righteousness, reflecting the teachings and character of Jesus in all that we do. By doing so, we not only enrich our lives but also positively impact the lives of those around us, aligning our influence with God’s will.