Editor’s Note: We recently polled several people with the following question on hospitality:
“Proverbs 11:24-25 says, ‘One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings a blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.’ As you think about times that you have opened up your home or your life to invite others in, how would you say that you ‘grew all the richer, were enriched, or were watered,’ as Proverbs describes?”
Today, we are pleased to share Kyla’s story. Kyla loves to invite others into her home, and she has wonderful culinary skills that she uses to bless others. We pray her thoughts and experiences will encourage you.
Let me begin by being honest, there’s always going to be some sort of work that needs to be done while hosting or before you host, whether the event is big or small. When I open my home to others, I feel it is so important to create an environment where people feel comfortable and safe. This could mean making sure I have a few snacks or ensuring the temperature in my house is ideal for everyone. It’s cleaning my home so others feel at ease, or putting captions on a TV show or movie.
Putting in that effort to host others is worth it in the end because it feels like experiencing a little slice of heaven. I see how people who love Jesus, and understand how much He loves them and how that translates into how we love each other. That’s what waters me. It’s worth the extra effort to open my home and see how it feeds the souls of others.
For example, every Monday night I open my home to friends, typically the same group each week. I cook dinner for all of us, and we usually watch a movie or TV. Those few hours have become crucial to my spiritual walk. We read a passage of the Bible, pray together, talk about hardships we may be facing, and then break bread. When we miss a Monday night because we’re out of town or have another commitment, it truly feels like I’m missing a vital part of the biblical community I hold so dearly in my heart.
Hosting is what brings people together. If Linda Maynard had not opened her home to a group of young adults, I would not have the best friends I have today—and that means something to me.
— Kyla Butler for The Sublime Soiree (C) August 2025
