12 Bible Verses About Influence: Inspiring Change Through Faith
Influence is a powerful gift, one that can shape lives and lead others closer to God. The Bible offers wisdom on how to cultivate a Christ-centered influence, emphasizing humility, kindness, faith, integrity and generosity. By grounding our influence in God’s Word, we can make a meaningful impact touching hearts and inspiring lasting change. These 12 Bible verses guide us on how to use our influence in a positive, Christ-like way, encouraging others to experience God’s love, grace and truth.
1. Romans 12:2 - Building a Christ-Centered Influence
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
To build a Christ-centered influence, we must first accept Jesus as our Savior. This relationship with Him is the foundation for our faith and transformation. When we embrace Jesus as Lord, His love and guidance shapes our thoughts, actions and character. Through our Christ-centered influence, we can inspire others to seek God’s truth and experience the hope and purpose that come from following Him.
Supporting Verses
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Ephesians 4:1
“…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
2. Philippians 2:3 - Influence That Begins with a Humble Heart
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
Influence that truly impacts others starts with humility. Jesus calls us to value others above ourselves. Approaching people with a humble heart, considering their well-being and showing compassion, allows us to reflect Christ’s love in a meaningful way. This kind of influence builds trust and respect, creating a positive impact that inspires others to embrace humility as well.
Supporting Verses
Matthew 23:12
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
1 Peter 5:5
“…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.””
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
3. Proverbs 11:3 - Building Trust Through Integrity in Your Influence
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
Influence rooted in integrity earns the trust and respect of others. When we live with honesty and authenticity, our actions align with our words, setting a reliable example. Integrity shines through in how we treat others, make decisions and uphold our values, showing that our influence is genuine. This kind of trust-building influence reflects God’s truth and inspires others to live with the same integrity, creating a lasting impact in their lives.
Supporting Verses
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Proverbs 10:9
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Psalm 106:3
“Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.”
4. Proverbs 16:24 - Influence Others by Leading with Kindness
"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Kindness has the power to reach people in profound ways, opening hearts and building connections. When we lead with kindness, our influence becomes a source of comfort and encouragement for others. This gentle approach reflects God’s love and invites others to experience His goodness. By choosing kind words, we create a positive impact that can inspire others to show kindness in return, creating a ripple effect of love and grace.
Supporting Verses
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…”
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Lifting Others Up Through Encouraging Influence
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Encouragement is a powerful way to uplift and strengthen those around us. When our influence centers on encouragement, we create a positive and hopeful atmosphere, inspiring others to keep going and to trust in God’s faithfulness. Simple words of encouragement or acts of kindness can make a big difference, reminding others that they are valued and not alone. By lifting others up, we reflect God’s love and help them see His hand at work in their lives.
Supporting Verses
Romans 15:5
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,”
Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another daily…”
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine...”
6. Matthew 5:14 - Shining God’s Light Through Your Influence
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Our influence is a powerful way to reflect God’s love and hope to others. When we live out our faith openly, showing kindness, compassion and grace, we shine God’s light into the lives of those around us. This kind of influence draws others closer to God, helping them experience His love through our actions.
Supporting Verses
Ephesians 5:8
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others...”
2 Corinthians 4:6
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts…”
7. Colossians 3:17 - Influence that Points to Christ’s Love and Grace
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
When our influence points others to Christ, we become a living reflection of His love and grace. By living in a way that mirrors Christ’s compassion and kindness, we offer others a glimpse of who He is. This type of influence goes beyond setting a good example; it reveals the heart of Christ to those around us, inspiring them to seek His love and grace for themselves.
Supporting Verses
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Matthew 5:16
“…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
8. Matthew 28:19 - Using Your Influence to Share God’s Message
"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."
Our influence has the power to reach far beyond our immediate circle, impacting lives for God’s kingdom. When we live out our faith, we create opportunities to share God’s story with those around us, showing them the joy and hope found in Christ. By using our influence to share His message, we participate in God’s work, helping others discover the life-changing power of His love and salvation.
Supporting Verses
Romans 10:15
“…How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
9. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - Letting Your Faith Lead and Influence Others
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Our faith shapes how we live, and when we walk by faith rather than relying on what we can see, we become an example to those around us. This kind of influence encourages others to trust in God’s guidance and look beyond their circumstances, helping them to find strength and hope in Him.
Supporting Verses
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
James 2:18
“…Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds”
Romans 10:17
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
10. Proverbs 13:20 - Impacting Lives Through Wise Influence
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
Wisdom shapes the way we influence others, guiding our decisions and interactions. When we seek God’s wisdom and allow it to direct our lives, our influence becomes a source of strength and guidance for others. Wise influence helps others make better choices and encourages them to seek God’s truth. By surrounding ourselves with wisdom and sharing it with those around us, we can leave a lasting, positive impact on their lives.
Supporting Verses
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 8:11
“For wisdom is more precious than rubies...”
Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
11. Proverbs 22:6 - Shaping Future Generations Through Godly Influence
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
God calls us to guide and shape the next generation by instilling faith, values and wisdom that reflect His love. By living out a Godly influence, we model what it means to follow Christ, helping future generations build a strong foundation in faith. When we share God’s truth and love with them, we’re planting seeds that can lead them to lives filled with purpose, hope, and a relationship with Him.
Supporting Verses
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children…”
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord…”
Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
12. 2 Corinthians 9:6 - Influence Rooted in a Heart of Generosity
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
Generosity is a powerful way to reflect God’s love, touching the lives of others through selfless giving. When our influence is rooted in a heart of generosity, we demonstrate the abundance of God’s grace, inspiring others to give freely as well. Generosity goes beyond material gifts; it includes giving our time, sharing encouragement and showing compassion. This kind of influence has a lasting impact, showing others the joy of giving and the warmth that comes from a generous heart.
Supporting Verses
Acts 20:35
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you…”
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
God calls us to use our influence purposefully, reflecting His character in everything we do. Through humility, integrity, kindness, faith, wisdom and generosity, we can create a lasting impact that goes beyond ourselves, drawing others to Christ. As we live out these values, our influence becomes a light that points to God’s truth and love, inspiring others to seek Him. Let’s embrace this calling to be a Christ-centered influence, allowing our lives to be a testament of God’s love and grace to the world around us.
