How do we know self-sacrifice is important for Christians?

Self-sacrifice is a central tenet of the Christian faith, mirroring the selfless actions of Christ. As seen in Philippians 2, self-sacrifice is not merely an act of service but a reflection of our identity as believers. When we look at the life of Epaphroditus, who risked his life to serve Paul and the Philippians, we recognize that such actions stem from a heart that understands and embraces the grace shown to us in Christ. This selflessness is what makes our service meaningful and aligned with God's will. Scripture calls us to not just be hearers of the Word but doers, exemplifying Christ in our daily lives through acts of love and sacrifice.