July 23, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“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.” -Ephesians 4:29
One of the great gifts we have in life is the time we share with others. During these moments, we find the greatest joy, laughter, shared sadness, and opportunities to build one another up. God did not create us to live a life of isolation. At times, being alone seems easier, but it is not always better. We are God’s children, in part, created for one another.
Gilbert Martin understands the importance of being with other people. He knows it helps to make each day special when we are together. Gilbert, or better known as Mr. Gil, lives in Wilmington, North Carolina. Mr. Gil is 92 years old. If you would like to meet Mr. Gil, you will find him working at the Chick-fil-A. He is there Monday-Friday.
Gilbert works the dining room at the local Chick-fil-A. He wipes tables, restocks condiments, cleans the floors, and delivers food to customers’ tables. Like any Chick-fil-A employee, Mr. Gil works hard. Mostly, he greets customers, shares a kind word, and listens to their stories. No matter who comes through the doors, Mr. Gil is there to provide warm hospitality.
Mr. Gil loves his job at Chick-fil-A. Before joining the team at the restaurant, he worked for several decades in the natural gas industry. He retired, but that just wasn’t a good fit for him. He walked into Sam’s Club and secured a job as a greeter. He loved it! Mr. Gil worked for Sam’s Club for just over twelve years. That job was eventually eliminated, and once again he retired. Still, he wanted something to do. He wanted to live in such a way as to help others.
It was a Chick-fil-A that he found a way to work and fulfill his purpose…caring for others. Mr. Gil is famous in his North Carolina neighborhood. His positive spirit brings joy to so many. Now, his kindness is being shared around the world, thanks to social media. Mr. Gil makes it clear that “serving others has always brought me joy because I believe that a smile and a kind word can make someone’s day a little brighter.”
We each have the opportunity to make someone’s day a little brighter. Mr. Gil is correct. When we are mindful of our words and express kindness to others, we can build them up. A smile on our face communicates joy. This world has enough opportunities to bring us down. Let us be intentionally kind today. We just may make someone’s day brighter and bring a little joy to ourselves as well.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
