Defense

Alma 48:14

"Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives."

The Nephites did not delight in war; rather they dreaded it. They would much rather live in peace and kindness. Sometimes, however, they had no choice. When an enemy comes upon them and wants to destroy  them they knew they needed to defend themselves. They were not afraid to die because they knew where they would go. They knew they were righteous and that God would greet them. They were saddened for the wicked people who died unprepared to meet God. They would only fight if they absolutely had to.