In this scene we see resentment and harsh words. There has obviously been a conflict brewing and these two friends are at a crucial point. Will the relationship divide, like the swamp, or will they unite, through honest conversation and forgiveness? Donkey wants to hold Shrek accountable for his behavior; Shrek always pushes people away and doesn’t accept love or friendship. But Shrek just feels mad because he’s lost Fiona, and Donkey is on his case. We all have had or will have moments like this in our relationships. Conflict will either be something we work through or it will be something that breaks us up and ends relationships. Let's think about conflict that you have been a part of with friends or teachers or family members, maybe even others in this room.
Some of the specifics we discussed:
- Share a time when you and a friend fought, and finally one of you had to say you were sorry.
- How do you feel when you know there is conflict between you and someone else?
- Being forgiven feels good, so why do you think we take so long to ask for forgiveness?
- What are some good "friend qualities"?
- Which of these friend qualities do you possess? Are there other qualities that make you a good friend?
One reason it’s important to have high-quality “true” friends is to have someone who will stand up for what’s right and to help you to do the same.
Consider the following passage:
- Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT) If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble!
- When do we as Christians need to “reach out and help” our friends?
And how about this:
- Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
- Why might it be important to come to church regularly?
- What insight can Christian friends offer that unbelievers may not have?
- Think of a time when that’s exactly what happened – maybe a friend encouraged you, challenged your thinking, warned or confronted you about a questionable choice you made, or helped talk you out of doing something stupid. Or perhaps, you have been the encouraging friend. Briefly share your experience.
Remember what Shrek says when he realizes how badly he has treated donkey:
"That's what friends do. They forgive each other."
(Thanks to "The Source for Youth Ministry" for this topic!)
