Although the Nephites were commanded by the Lord not to begin a war, they were also counseled by him: "Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies." (Alma 43:46.) The Lord further instructed the Nephites: "Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed." (Alma 43:47.) Thus the Nephites felt justified in resisting the invasion of the Lamanites, so long as the Nephites were fighting for their lives, their homes, and their liberty.