Sumgmu’s Monthly Message, June 2025

“Before and after!” This sounds like a TV commercial that describes the great difference between before and after using its product. Every day, we encounter these kinds of commercials that emphasize “before and after.” As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday on June 8th, I would like to mention the Bible story of “before and after.”

Before Pentecost, the disciples were dense, timid bumblers who locked themselves in the upper room. But afterwards, they became fearless religious leaders. They healed the sick and cast out demons. Before experiencing the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Peter had denied Jesus three times and ran away from him. But afterwards, he fearlessly witnessed about Jesus Christ and died a martyr.

How could Peter change his personality? The Holy Spirit enabled him to willingly suffer with Jesus so that he could be glorified with Jesus. When Peter lived with the Holy Spirit, he was moved to fulfill his Christian faith.

There are also big differences in our lives between before and after experiencing the Holy Spirit. Before receiving the Holy Spirit, we were not very kind to others. But afterwards, we include and accept others as friends. We did not have joy in our lives. But now, we have the joy that God gives us because we have confidence for eternal life.

We criticized each other and hated each other. But afterwards, we forgive each other and love each other. We were not willing to spend our time, energy, and money for our church. But afterwards, we are joyfully dedicating ourselves to the church. This is a miracle of the Holy Spirit. Before and after, there are a lot of changes.

Do you want to change yourself positively? Do you want to live a joyful life that God gives to you? Then, open your hearts and let the Holy Spirit come into you and live with you. After that, you will enjoy the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Happy Pentecost!

Sungmu Lee