Dying to self means a radical, deliberate, cutting away of our old way of thinking and reacting. The apostle Paul underscores both death to sin and resurrection to a new life through the experience of water baptism. Baptism symbolically opens the door to new life and bids us to grow in Christ. JTL17 4.1
When we accept Jesus as Savior and Master, our old life is buried, and new life emerges! In Christ, our weaknesses become our strengths. Cowardice gives way to courage. Unbelief gives way to faith. Anger gives way to gentleness. Impatience gives way to self-control. JTL17 4.2
In our Christian life, the death of self is a necessity. This choice to die to self must happen daily, hourly, moment by moment. Death to self will be exhibited in loving service to our fellow man, and introducing them to Jesus, the source of salvation. JTL17 4.3