I hadn’t realized until recently that one of the main topics of the book of 1 Peter is the theme of suffering. Peter is writing to a group of Christians that are about to suffer persecution or that are currently being persecuted. He writes to encourage them. In doing so, he uses the word “suffer” over and again. Look at these verses.

1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
1:11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
2:19-21 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
3:17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
4:15-16 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:
5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Notice that when Peter talks about Jesus’ sacrifice, he always calls it Jesus’ suffering. Peter understands that Jesus’ sacrifice set an example for us as to how we should face suffering in our own lives. When we come upon hard times, we can remember what Jesus went through and how he stood firm.