Bitter Truth: My Story of Bitterness, Grace, and Repentence

by Linda R. Graf

Bitter Truth is the story of how one woman escaped from the slough of bitterness which had held her for many years. Her life is now filled with love, joy, and peace. It has been a hard road of repentance and humility, but it's worth it. If you struggle with bitterness, or know someone who does, this is a must read.

“At the core of most of people’s problems is resentment and lack of forgiveness. Linda clearly spells out the personal devastation of carrying such bitterness. The richness of the book is in her practical and clear explanations of what bitterness is and what God says about it. Linda encourages the reader on how to respond when living life and loving people are hard. You, like Linda, will be transformed if you put into practice the things you learn in this book.” Shelly Cook Volkhardt, missionary, author, international conference speaker

"I love a good redemption story! Linda draws us in with her transparency and then offers solid Biblical instruction and practical insights gleaned from her own journey to freedom. I was taught, encouraged, and inspired by God’s transforming power.” Kelly Hall, author, conference speaker

187 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sam♥]

So I didn’t actually read this, I read a book called “stories of repentance” an Islamic book. They didn’t have it on good reads so I went with the closest one to it 🤷‍♀️

[Lexxie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointing! I was really enjoying this book and was flying through it last night! The author was very honest and open about her struggle with bitterness. She also included a few awesome charts/lists explaining the differences between love and bitterness/love and expectations. I especially enjoyed her wittiness. She breaks things down in lists and explains each point thoroughly. I just couldn't get past the inaccuracy.

The first thing that bothered me was her explanation of Michal's story in the chapter "Bitterness in the Bible". She made mention of 2 Samuel 6:23 NIV. She implied that "her bitterness caused her to speak rashly against God's anointed king who was also her husband. It led to her barrenness." My problem with this is that the Bible never directly tells us why she never had children. It never tells us that her not having children was a punishment from God for being bitter towards David. This is a problem. Someone who doesn't believe in God could read this story and think "Hm, that seems to be a little harsh." Especially since she is explaining how Michal was wronged by David. The Bible never confirms that Michal's bareness was a punishment.

Secondly, in the chapter "Where to Start" she says: "And we have to believe the whole story of Jesus which does not end with his death on the cross. Two days later, He came back to life (1 Corinthians 15:4)." 1 Corinthians 15:4: "that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." Matthew 12:40: "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Mark 8:41: "He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again." Luke 24:7: "that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise." Do you see my point?

I tried to continue reading but decided against it because I didn't want to continue my skepticism.

[April Matovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly insightful book into oneself, and into the lives of those around you. If you or someone you know is struggling with bitterness, this book would be very helpful. It gives you the practical and the Biblical applications.