Wednesday, April 4 If you bring me back . . . , then I will indeed become your leader!​—Judg. 11:9.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, April 4

If you bring me back . . . , then I will indeed become your leader!—Judg. 11:9.

Jephthah’s thorough grasp of Israel’s history gave him a clear picture of what was right and what was wrong in Jehovah’s eyes. (Judg. 11:12-27) Godly principles that were embedded in the Mosaic Law molded Jephthah’s thinking as well as his heart. He knew that Jehovah disapproved of holding grudges; rather, God required that His people love one another. The Law also taught that a person must not ignore the needs of others, even of someone who “hates” him. (Ex. 23:5; Lev. 19:17, 18) Examples of faithful ones like Joseph, who showed mercy to his brothers—even though “they began to hate him”—may also have influenced Jephthah’s response. (Gen. 37:4;45:4, 5) Meditating on such examples would have helped Jephthah to choose a course of action that was pleasing to Jehovah. The conduct of his brothers no doubt hurt him deeply, but he would not hold back from serving Jehovah and His people.—Judg. 11:1-3. w16.04 1:8, 9

[New World Explorer]

27 minutes ago, GrumpysWife said:

He knew that Jehovah disapproved of holding grudges; rather, God required that His people love one another. The Law also taught that a person must not ignore the needs of others, even of someone who “hates” him.

What a powerful lesson!

[New World Explorer]

Reference Watchtower has more enhanced information (really good!)

 

Will we allow Jephthah’s example to touch our hearts? Perhaps we have experienced disappointment or ill-treatment from certain Christian brothers. If so, we should not allow such challenges to hold us back from attending Christian meetings or serving Jehovah and being with the congregation to the full. In imitation of Jephthah, we too can allow divine standards to help us overcome negative circumstances and continue to be a force for good.—Rom. 12:20, 21; Col. 3:13.

[Spechellekaye]

This absolutely hit home for me.  I used to say that I would just avoid the person, but in essence this is still holding a grudge. This is definitely an opportunity for meditation and prayer for me.