I agree with everything you said brother. I’d just like to add we have to be careful as Christians because the world’s view of self-defense is often different. In certain states you can shoot to kill someone who’s on your property with a gun even if they’re running away. It’s not self-defense if you aren’t in physical danger at the moment even if the law says it is. Taking someone’s life should be the absolute last resort and only done if the person is persistent and it’s clear you or your family will be physically harmed if you don’t.
And He said to them, "But now, the one having a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag; and the one having no sword, let him sell his cloak and buy one. - Luke 22:36
The issue is not self defense but like you said retaliation and vengeance. This is a honor culture. People would retaliate to get thier honor back. Jesus was commenting that retaliation and vengeance was not the manner we get our honor back.
