“The youth in my ward are divided into two groups that don’t get along. What can I do to help improve things?”

It’s difficult to understand why members of the Church sometimes exclude each other and form cliques. The Savior said, “He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Ne. 11:29–30).

There are a few ways you can help do away with contention among the youth in your ward and encourage them to love one another.

Start by being an example. Include those who may feel left out of your circle of friends. Invite them to church and activities and sit with them. Working, playing games or sports, and serving together are other good ways to form friendships and build unity.

Try to find out why the groups don’t get along. This is a situation you could discuss with a youth leader or your bishop. Get help from others who feel as you do. Remind youth leaders to invite and involve everyone in activities. You can also fast and pray for the Lord’s help in solving the problem.

Change takes time, so don’t be discouraged if things don’t improve all at once. You can do your part, but the unity in your youth group will depend on each person trying his or her best to make things work with Heavenly Father’s help. (See Mosiah 18:21; D&C 38:27.)