The little word “if” indicates that insult (suffering) is a possibility the Christian may experience, though not necessarily all the time or in every circumstance (though, as Jesus also said in Matthew 5:11–12, no one should be surprised when possible suffering for the gospel happens). Further, Peter’s inclusion of this sentence in the present context suggests that his readers were in fact experiencing some measure of suffering at the time Peter wrote this letter (1 Peter 4:3–4).
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.