It is an interesting reversal of positions to have their fellow Nephites laugh the sons of Mosiah to scorn because of their righteous desires, when those now scorning had a short time before been subject to the others’ faithless tauntings. It is also interesting to learn that there were some among the Nephites who felt that the sword was the proper solution to their problems with the Lamanites.
It is obvious that it took both greater faith and greater courage to do missionary work among them than it took to go to battle against them. Nevertheless it is the purpose of the Lord whenever possible to save, not to destroy, the wayward nations of the earth.