Influencers Bring People Together

Influence is not reserved for those with large social media followings or public platforms; every person has influence in the lives of those around them. Whether it’s at school, at work, in our families, or even in the way we interact with strangers, we are constantly shaping the world through our words, actions, and attitudes. The question is not whether we have influence, but how we will use it—especially as followers of Jesus, who are called to influence others for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Looking at the life of Jesus, we see a radical approach to influence. Jesus consistently built bridges to people who were different, outcast, or even considered enemies. He reached across social, political, and moral divides, as seen in His interactions with Zacchaeus, the tax collector, and the woman at the well. Both were marginalized by their communities, yet Jesus saw their value and potential, engaging them with love and dignity. This is a powerful model for us: true influence is not about gathering people who already agree with us, but about loving and connecting with those who are different.

Jesus’ teachings reinforce this bridge-building approach. He calls us to go beyond what is required—to give more than is demanded, to walk the extra mile, to love even those who oppose us. The “golden rule”—do to others as you would have them do to you—is not just a moral guideline, but a strategy for influence. When we choose to love others first, to listen deeply, and to seek common ground, we draw people in and open doors for meaningful conversations and transformation.

Building influence in a divided world means intentionally choosing to see the image of God in every person, to focus on what unites rather than what divides, and to act with kindness and empathy. It means refusing to retreat into our own trenches or to lob grenades at those who disagree with us. Instead, we step into the middle, loving boldly and sacrificially, just as Jesus did. This is not easy—our natural tendency is to protect ourselves and our own interests—but with Jesus’ help, we can become people who bring others together and make a lasting impact for the kingdom.