Forgiveness is difficult, especially when we’ve been hurt deeply by someone. We all struggle with forgiveness at some point in our lives, but handing on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge only cause self-imposed suffering. When we do this, we become both the prisoner and the jailer. The truth is forgiveness is for our own growth and happiness. Holding on to our pain harms us far more than it harms the offender. Forgiveness allows us to move on without anger or contempt or seeking revenge. There are times when we don’t feel like forgiving right after being hurt, but how can we move forward in our own lives, particularly as Christians, if we are unwilling to forgive. Especially when call on God to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Are they just empty words? If you harbor anger and choose not to forgive, you will be holding onto bitterness, thinking badly of others, sinning and opening a door to the enemy to get into your life and cause havoc. Here are six things to remember when you’re struggling to forgive.