How do you know when a dispute, a discussion, an argument, or a fight becomes “foolish”?

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English: Resurrection of Christ
English: Resurrection of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The object of Christianity is not to sin less, but to glorify God more. It is not to somehow stop ourselves from doing the bad things we really want to do, but to find ourselves craving to do what pleases God.

Titus 2:13, 14 — … our great God and Savior Jesus Christ … gave Himself for us, that He might … purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
The way of the cross is the way of potent tenderness. Jesus had all power, yet He came to serve, not to be served. Paul says that “in lowliness of mind” one should “esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:3).

Titus 3:2 — … to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Titus 3:8 — … those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works .…

“Good works” become bad only when we try to use them to earn the favor of God. In their proper place, however—as evidence of the salvation God provided us through grace—they remain crucial.

Titus 3:9 — But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

How do you know when a dispute, a discussion, an argument, or a fight becomes “foolish”? When God is in these things, even the interaction itself tends to reflect God’s love and truth. When He isn’t, it’s just plain nasty.

Stanley, C. F. (2005). The Charles F. Stanley life principles Bible: New King James Version (Tt 2:11–3:9). Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles.

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