We are told to be "gentle as doves yet wise as serpents" for a reason.
My husband has recently felt God calling him to be a father to young men addicted to drugs. When you interfere, those that want these young men to remain with them rather than shown a way out; they will threaten your life. We have children in our home, so yes, my husband keeps a pistol on standby. We are not aggressive people. We don't hate, we have empathy, but yet, I don't see it as wrong or against God for the head and leader of our home to protect his family.
But at the same time, there is another sword that is far more powerful and is always yielded out of love and gives freedom to those it comes against.
Ephesians 6:12-18 KJV
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places . [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
which is the word of God:
Hebrews 4:12 KJV
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I have been slain by the sword.
Those that lead others into capitivity must also be killed by the sword. Hopefully by the sword of God's word(bringing in the light and truth of the Son), rather than the literal sword that only ends life, rather than give it.
There is a time and place for both. I think.
I am not speculating why Jesus told them; if they had no sword, to sell their garment to buy one. I still do not know. There is a good reason, Christ never wastes words. Let us not forget He also included; purse and (I am sorry when I first wrote "stave" which was an error...) "scrip" is what Jesus said.