Cuts Both Ways

Jesus emphasizes that he has a two edged sword to the church of Pergamum. This is a sword that cuts two ways and is used both for defense and attack.  In the context of a church that has a group of heretics, Jesus is probably saying that he could use it either way for the church.  He could defend them in their time of need, when being attacked, or he could judge them if they remain on the side of compromise.