The Eagle Way No 15

How to live closer to God 

David desires to get closer to God and he asks God this very important question,  who will dwell in Your presence?  
Some of the answers are below from God in Psalm 15.

 "Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved." (Psalms 15:1-5 NKJV) 

To get closer to God, and to Love others - Psalm 15:3 
David is asking God, the necessary qualifications to abide in the tabernacle.(v1). 
God's reply emphasizes that to "abide" in God's presence and purpose. 

First requires a will to exhibit a strong relationship with others. 
To expect to have a strong relationship with God, determine to conduct life in right relationship with others! 

God tells David. 

1. To speak kindly to his neighbors; 
2. Never to gossip or say anything to destroy another reputation; 
3. To do nothing to hurt another person in any way; 
4. Finally, God warns David not to "reproach" his neighbor in anyway. 

 "Reproach" (Hebrew 'cherpah') means "blame, discredit, disgrace, or shame." 

If the Old Testament teaches that one desiring to get closer to God must prioritize love towards others. 

The New Testament commandment "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Rom13:9) is surely vital to our relationship with our heavenly Father today.

 "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God."(Lev.19:34)