What I learned at a funeral

I went to a funeral today and learned a lot. I went in knowing that this church had been fractured into about 4 different factions. Satan moved in with division about 3 years ago which caused the first fracture. A church mediator group (!) had to come in and they listened to each side and addressed what they saw to be the problem. Instead of repenting, the "problem" left the church. The pastor and music leader had a falling out about a year ago and the music leader left with his following....2nd fracture. Recently, the pastor was fired. He and his family and his following left...3rd fracture. That left the 4th fracture (about 35 people at this point) at the church building. All four sides came together for this funeral----out of love for the person who died. She could do that---her life was lived in such a way that her love could draw all four factions together.
I went to this church while in high school. So I know all of the key players in this situation. I looked around today and here's what I learned. All of these people are good people. They all love God. In fact, I'd say they're all following the Lord--at least on some level. And they all feel very "RIGHT" in their minds. It's so easy. It's so easy to allow error (in even a small portion) to move into your mind, feed it, and allow it to grow until you no longer can see the Truth. Could this church be healed? Absolutely! All it would take is for one person to humble themselves and repent. I believe it would be a domino effect and all sides would see the error of their ways and also humble themselves and repent.
But therein is the problem. It's so hard to humble yourself and repent! But I believe it takes even more energy to keep that unforgiveness alive! And unforgiveness turns into bitterness. And bitterness turns into murder. Don't believe it? A friend told me this week that he attended a church with some of the same problems I just described and people began killing one another. About 6 murders took place inside that church! Unbelievable. Unforgiveness is so destructive! And God hates it.
I learned a lot sitting at a funeral today. Wouldn't it be awesome if this lady's funeral was the catalyst for new life and love? I believe it could happen. I pray it will.