In the biblical context, the concept of "good influence" is deeply rooted in the teachings and examples found throughout Scripture. Good influence is often associated with living a life that reflects the character and teachings of God, thereby impacting others positively and leading them towards righteousness.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals who exerted a good influence on those around them. One of the earliest examples is found in the life of Abraham, who is called by God to be a blessing to all nations. Genesis 12:2-3 states, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." Abraham's faith and obedience set a precedent for influencing others through a covenant relationship with God.

Another significant example is Joseph, whose integrity and faithfulness in Egypt led to the preservation of many lives during a severe famine. His influence extended beyond his immediate family to the entire nation of Egypt and surrounding regions. Genesis 41:39-40 records Pharaoh's recognition of Joseph's influence: "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands.'"

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Proverbs, emphasizes the importance of good influence. Proverbs 13:20 advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This highlights the transformative power of associating with those who exhibit wisdom and righteousness.

Prophetic Voices

The prophets also serve as examples of good influence, often calling the people of Israel back to faithfulness and justice. Isaiah, for instance, exhorts the people to be a light to the nations, reflecting God's righteousness and justice. Isaiah 42:6 declares, "I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations."

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of good influence. His life, teachings, and sacrificial death have had a profound impact on countless individuals and communities throughout history. Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light in the world, influencing others through their good deeds and godly character. Matthew 5:13-16 states, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of good influence in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 , he encourages believers to "imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." Paul understood that his life and conduct could serve as a model for others, leading them closer to Christ.

The Role of the Church

The early church is depicted as a community of believers whose influence extended beyond their immediate gatherings. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early Christians as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, resulting in favor with all the people and the Lord adding to their number daily. This communal life of love, generosity, and worship served as a powerful witness to the surrounding society.

Practical Application

Believers are called to be agents of good influence in their families, workplaces, and communities. This involves living out the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." By embodying these virtues, Christians can positively impact those around them, drawing others to the transformative power of the Gospel.1 Samuel 19:1-6
And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 20:4-9
Then said Jonathan to David, Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 22:42,43
Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 15:1-3,32-34
In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 5:13-16
You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his flavor, with which shall it be salted? it is thereafter good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 4:21,22
And he said to them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 11:33-36
No man, when he has lighted a candle, puts it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
Nave's Topical Index

John 7:38
He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 7:16
For what know you, O wife, whether you shall save your husband? or how know you, O man, whether you shall save your wife?
Nave's Topical Index

Philippians 2:15
That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the middle of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;
Nave's Topical Index

1 Thessalonians 1:7,8
So that you were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Peter 2:11,12
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Nave's Topical Index

1 Peter 3:1,2,15,16
Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
Nave's Topical Index

5355. phthonos -- envy
... properly, strong feeling (desire) that , due to the influence of sin ... 5355 ("ill-will")
conveys "displeasure at another's good; . .without longing to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5355.htm - 7k

Of the Separation of the Good and the Bad, which Proclaim the ...
... Book XX. Chapter 27."Of the Separation of the Good and the Bad, Which Proclaim
the Discriminating Influence of the Last Judgment. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 27 of the separation of.htm

Private Property and the Common Good
... But the will of God is identical with the good of mankind. ... 1. On what ground does
Jesus fear the influence of riches and of their accumulation? ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter viii private property and.htm

Religious Patriotism.
... all nobler characters from the baser, and which are produced and fostered, and made
to work strongly in every society that has any claim to good influence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/i religious patriotism.htm

Arius the Heresiarch
... Would it not be well for him, suggested Eusebius, to use his influence for good
and to write to Alexander, bidding him lay aside this most unchristian dispute ...
/.../forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 2 arius the heresiarch.htm

The Basis for Community Service
... human improvement by assuming that, though the church does not have a large membership,
comparatively speaking, its influence has inspired the good work being ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter ii the basis for.htm

Arise, and Go into the City
... later years Frank Nelson spoke for the City Charter or Reform Party, he knew from
first-hand experience the moral and spiritual influence of good government in ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/arise and go into the.htm

Upon the Love of Our Neighbour.
... a good or charitable man of superior rank in wisdom, fortune, authority, is a common
blessing to the place he lives in: happiness grows under his influence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon xii upon the love.htm

A Great Household
... and there were many of every grade, he was always cordial and polite, losing no
chance of winning their confidence, that he might influence them for good. ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 3 a great household.htm

Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men.
... that some of the stars have a malevolent, and others a benevolent influence; since
no ... of the Lord shall come things noble and that which is good." [5872] And ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/6 influence of the moon.htm

Consistency of Good Men in all Outward Circumstances.
... Book III. Chapter 20."Consistency of Good Men in All Outward Circumstances ... For if
they had been under the influence of any such passion, they could never have ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 20 consistency of good men.htm

What was the Merovingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.org

What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Carolingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.org

Influence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus