Every day holds countless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those around us. For Christians, influencing others isn’t about popularity, spotlight, or the size of our audience but about faithfully living out the love, character, and hope of Jesus in the ordinary moments that make up our lives. God has given each of us the ability—and the responsibility—to be a positive force for His glory, right where we are.

Recognizing Your Influence

Some think influence is reserved for pastors, leaders, or social media personalities, but the truth is, everyone is an influencer. Whether at home, in the workplace, at church, or out in the community, someone is always watching how faith shapes our choices, attitudes, and responses. The question isn’t if you’re influencing others, but how.

God designed people to be salt and light in a world desperate for both truth and grace. Your smile, encouragement, integrity, kindness, and willingness to serve can be the very thing God uses to draw others closer to Him.

The Foundation: Real Connection

You can’t influence people you don’t bother to truly know. Genuine connection—seeing, hearing, and valuing the people in front of you—is essential. Jesus was a master at this. He always noticed those who others overlooked; He listened, asked questions, and met their needs before offering wisdom. If you want to make an impact, start by being present and intentional.

Everyday Opportunities to Shine

Influence happens in a hundred small ways. Instead of waiting for a big moment, focus on little, daily choices:

  • A kind word to a discouraged coworker

  • An extra measure of patience with your children when you’re tired

  • Praying (even silently) for someone struggling

  • Serving others quietly and faithfully, expecting nothing in return

  • Living honestly, even if it costs you popularity or comfort

These actions often seem insignificant on their own, but God loves to use “the small things” to do great things in the lives of others.

Living What You Believe

Integrity is the root of lasting influence. When people see you following Christ even when it’s not easy—keeping your promises, refusing to gossip, apologizing quickly, forgiving thoroughly—they’ll notice. Consistency between your words and your life speaks volumes.

Positive influence also means watching your attitude. When you react with peace in stressful situations, show joy in daily tasks, or refuse to give in to cynicism and negativity, you show others what it’s like to have Jesus at the center.

Serving Like Jesus

The world often measures greatness by how many people serve you; Jesus flipped this thinking completely. He modeled servant leadership—washing His disciples’ feet, helping the hurting, and putting others’ needs ahead of His own. Each time you serve someone, no matter how small the act, you’re reflecting Christ and making a difference.

Whether it’s lending a hand, giving a meal, helping without being asked, or simply listening to a friend, service is always noticed by those who need it most—and by God.

Speaking Words that Heal

Our words are powerful tools for influence. They can heal, encourage, inspire, or forgive. Or, they can wound, discourage, or divide. Scripture urges believers to “let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification” (Ephesians 4:29). A word of grace or kindness shared at the right moment can shift someone’s entire day.

Choose to be intentional. Look for ways to encourage, build up, thank, or comfort others. Challenge or correct gently and humbly when needed. And when you get it wrong—as every Christian sometimes will—let the humility of an apology also be a testimony.

Pray for Your Circles of Influence

Prayer makes your influence powerful, even when you can’t see the results. Ask God to open your eyes to needs and give you opportunities. Pray blessing over your family, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else God places in your path. Trust that God is already at work, and ask Him to help you see each moment as an opportunity to participate in something bigger than yourself.

Sharing the Hope You Have

Opportunities to talk openly about faith will come, often when least expected. When they do, be authentic, humble, and gentle. Share your own story of how Christ has changed and helped you, and be quick to listen to others’ stories too. Faith sharing doesn’t have to be a sermon—often, it’s a simple word in the middle of a normal day that points to Jesus as the true source of your hope.

Being Available and Interruptible

Jesus ministered powerfully in “interruptions”—the sick on the roadside, the children crowding Him, the woman at the well. Sometimes, the moment you least expect is exactly when God wants to use you. Be ready to put aside your schedule for someone else’s need. The greatest difference you make may begin with saying, “I have time for you right now.”

Living Impactfully: Step by Step

The most influential Christians aren’t those with the largest crowds but those who steward their daily lives faithfully. Here’s how to keep growing your positive influence:

  • Stay close to Jesus. Deepen your own walk with God so that His love and wisdom naturally overflow.

  • Ask God each morning to use you. Be specific—“Lord, show me someone to encourage today.”

  • Choose faithfulness over fame. Small, unseen acts of love are precious to God.

  • Don’t wait to feel “qualified.” God uses ordinary people who show up and say yes.

  • Remember: The world doesn’t need more noise—it needs more light.

Connecting: The Foundation of Every Meaningful Relationship

After discussing making a difference, it’s only fitting to look at connecting—the heart of every impactful relationship.

Why Aren’t We Really Connecting?

Most people settle for surface-level relationships: conversations about the weather, work, or the latest news. It’s comfortable, but it leaves us feeling unseen and unknown. We crave relationships where we’re truly understood, accepted, and loved. God placed this desire within us—He wants us to experience deep, authentic connection with others, not just communication.

Biblical Keys for Deeper Relationships

Love as the Foundation
Real connection starts with love. Biblical love is more than emotion; it’s active, persevering, self-giving. When we choose to love as Jesus loved, everything else—patience, humility, forgiveness—flows from that choice.

Choose Humility
Deep connection means being willing to admit, “I don’t have it all together.” Humility breaks down barriers, invites authenticity, and makes room for real friendship.

Serve Each Other
Meaningful relationships thrive when each person seeks to bless the other. Simple acts—helping out, listening deeply, celebrating victories—say, “You matter to me.” Serve not to impress, but to express genuine care.

Practice Patience
People grow slowly. Strong relationships require space for imperfection and grace for mistakes. Remember how patient God is with you—and pass that patience along.

Embrace Acceptance
True connection comes when we stop trying to fix people and start welcoming them where they are. Acceptance isn’t the same as approval of everything, but it’s the open door of grace that Christ extends to us.

Show Honest Affection
Show you care—give hugs, speak kind words, spend time together, or offer a handwritten note. Little acts of affection build big bonds.

Forgive Freely
Every relationship involves disappointment. Forgiveness clears the road for reconnection. When you let go of grudges and forgive as Christ has forgiven, you create a safe place for trust to grow.

Practical Connection: Everyday Steps

  • Prioritize time together. Drop the phone, turn off the TV, listen—really listen.

  • Go beyond small talk. Ask, “What’s really on your heart?”

  • Share vulnerably—your struggles and your joys.

  • Celebrate each other—big wins and small milestones.

  • Pray for one another.

  • Stick around for the long haul.

The Fruit of Connecting

When you pursue deeper connections, you do more than stave off loneliness—you step into God’s design for community and friendship. You’ll notice more laughter, joy, and strength in hard times. You’ll grow, others will grow, and God will be glorified.

Everyday Influence, Lasting Change

Making a difference and connecting deeply aren’t separate goals—they’re two sides of the same coin. They both spring from living faithfully as Christ’s follower, stewarding daily opportunities, and letting God’s love work through you. Don’t underestimate the impact of your ordinary moments surrendered to God—He’s using them to write extraordinary stories of influence, connection, and transformation in your life and the lives of those around you.