Hmm.. I agree we need compassion but I also believe we need to be wise and not let people harm us if they try.
Luke 22:36,38English Standard Version (ESV)
He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
People will see what they want to in this passage. The question you have to consider is that if they needed it for self defense, why was two swords between twelve people "enough" especially considering they could have gotten more?
Also you have to wonder why you and every other self defense fan who tries to justify it with the Bible always stops or leaves things out? Luke 22:37 always gets skipped:
"For I say unto you,
that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end."
He tells you exactly why he wants the swords, and it isn't self defense, he is fulfilling a prophecy, that's why only two between twelve people was "enough". If this wasn't true he wouldn't have told Peter to put his sword up when he tried to use it.
Isaiah 53:12 "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death:
and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
