That take is not one Paul and many other Christians throughout history seems to agree with. In Philippians he describes there being virtue in suffering as it brings you closer to the experience of Christ on the cross. The practice of 'mortification of the flesh' is another example of Christians seeking out suffering, believing it will bring them closer to Christ. And as I hinted, the Crucifixion is very far from the only instance of Christ's recorded behavior used to justify suffering as a virtue. There are other examples, such as Christ fasting in the desert for 40 days and nights despite there being no obligation (not of his own creations) for him to do so.

As a ex-christian it seems distasteful for me to start quoting scripture, but I can if you demand it. There is ample scriptural evidence for Christians believing there is virtue in suffering, and ample historic evidence of Christians acting in accordance to this belief.

It's a pretty straight forward element of Christianity: Christ suffered, therefore you can bring yourself closer to him by doing the same.