You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast to help you find this sacred in

the ordinary.

We have 100 meditation episodes on this podcast, but if you want to listen for free to the

entire library of 500, I encourage you to download the Encountering Peace mobile app where

all the meditations are free, as they should be.

The movie Hacksaw Ridge is the true story of a World War II American Army medic named

Desmond T. Doss.

He was a pacifist and refused to kill people, but yet became the first man in American history

to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.

He was recognized for his bravery, his selflessness, and compassion after he risked his life

to save 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa.

By his own admission, the strength he mustered was not his, the compassion and care he gave

was not his, and the bravery he showed was not his, it was not human, it was only of God.

But yet, why is it we so often lean towards our own strength and our own care and our

own sense of bravery to survive, focusing on our own desires?

Well, this meditation from 1 John 4 is a reflection on a new kind of desire, desiring

to care and love for others in spite of and beyond our own abilities, setting aside

our selfish desires to allow God to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform

our affections, affections transformed into those of Christ, desires aligned with God,

new desires.

So as you begin this meditation, begin to be aware of any attempts you make to direct

your own will, maybe selfish efforts to fill your mind with your own desires and longings.

...