There is comfort in the example of Jesus' suffering. There is comfort in the assurance that when God is bearing down extra hard, it is to bring out the best aspects of our character, to refine the gold, tried in fire. A well-respected Christian banker was asked what would be the best investment for the Christian. The response was a little unusual. Surely other investments like McDonald's or Microsoft held a better return than gold.
Christian character needs our attention.
Discipline and self-control are to be the focus. The quality of the new nature's character demands an active purging of the dross and a willingness to submit to the heat necessary to refine the character. Temperance is the self-control and discipline that applies love to our daily actions. Such discipline can relieve suffering in the Church. Peter knew that with trouble ahead, the brethren would need each other.