he acronym IBE can be used to summarize the role of the spirit. IBE stands for illuminates, bestows, and empowers.

Illuminates: The spirit illuminates the word of God so that people can understand the Bible when they read it or hear it proclaimed. Without the spirit, people may interpret the Bible through the lens of the world, which can corrupt the word.

Bestows: The spirit bestows gifts, charisms, and talents to individuals for the purpose of building up the body, not for personal gain. It is up to each individual to discern what their gifts are, keeping in mind that these gifts should build up the body rather than cause strife and division.

Empowers: The spirit empowers people to do God’s will, even when they don’t want to or feel it is too difficult. This includes providing the wisdom to understand God’s will, as well as the grace, fortitude, courage, and resolve to carry it out.