ETHICAL MANDATE OF THE GOLDEN RULE IN MATTHEW 7:12: IMPLICATIONS FOSTERING RESPECTFUL AND COHESIVE HUMAN RELATIONS IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY

The present study investigates the Golden Rule as stated by Jesus in Matthew 7:12 and examines how it can foster a respectful, cohesive, and morally responsible Nigerian society. The text of Matthew 7:12, when interpreted in its context, presents the Golden Rule as a universal moral summary teaching empathy, reciprocity, and human respect. The study engaged biblical-theological and contextual analysis, which tend to interpret the text as one that cuts across religious boundaries and provides a strong lens for addressing contemporary challenges in Nigeria. The Golden Rule encourages mutual respect, peaceful cohabitation and builds social trust by urging individuals to treat others. The study addresses the problem that unequal treatment of individuals and groups contributes to a lack of cohesion and lagging national development. The study's findings indicate that integrating the Golden Rule ethics across the education industry, governance, religious institutions, and community life will greatly contribute to national cohesion and character development in Nigeria. The study concludes by recommending the Golden Rule as an ethical principle with the potential to transform Nigeria into the just, harmonious, and cohesive society of our dreams