Friends in High Places
Ben Roberts

Scripture:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” — Psalm 27:10

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1

“Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

Spoiler alert: they lived happily ever after.

In the end, Shrek and Fiona finally confess their love for each other. But before that can happen, Shrek has to discover something essential—his own worth. Like many of us, he cannot fully love another until he begins to believe he is worthy of love himself.

His early experiences taught him the opposite. He believed he had no value, that no one could love him, and that he was better off alone. If we are honest, that story is not so different from the quiet narratives many of us carry.

We often feel inadequate, especially when we consider the life of faith. Scripture sets a standard that can feel impossibly high:

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” — Matthew 5:48

“Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” — James 2:10

Faced with this, it is easy to assume we do not measure up—that we are somehow unlovable. Like Shrek retreating to his swamp, we withdraw, convinced that rejection is inevitable.

But here is the truth: no one is unlovable.

The real problem is not that we lack worth, it is that we believe we do. And when we believe we are unlovable, it shapes everything. It limits our ability to love others, not because we judge them, but because we judge ourselves. We become trapped in a cycle: I cannot love others because I am not worthy of love.

So what breaks that cycle?

Being loved, fully, honestly, and without condition.

In the musical, Donkey sees Shrek’s value long before Shrek can see it himself. He persists. He stays. He speaks truth. Over time, that love begins to change Shrek. Eventually, love wins. Shrek comes to see his own worth and is finally able to give love freely.

And here is the astonishing part: this is how God loves us.

The One who would be justified in rejecting us chooses instead to embrace us. God does not wait for us to become worthy—He declares us worthy.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” —Romans 5:8

God loves us in the middle of our imperfections, not on the other side of them. And that love transforms us, freeing us not only to love Him, but to more fully love one another.

We are not alone.
We are not forsaken.
We are known, named, and loved.

And that changes everything.

Reflection:
Is there something you feel called to do for God?  Do you see yourself as unworthy?

Look around you. Is there a Donkey cheering you on? Or perhaps there is an ogre in your life—someone you can help discover their worth. Try to see yourself through God’s eyes.  Take a step of faith and do the good work you have been called to do.

Prayer:
Help me to see myself as You see me. not through shame or fear, but as one who is known and deeply loved. When I feel unworthy, remind me that Your love does not depend on my perfection. Give me the courage to believe that I am who You say I am. Amen.