"The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard." (Listen to Learn, Russell M. Nelson, Apr1991)
Can you hear? Are you deaf?
Is there a sound you want (or need) to tell someone about?
Who can you hear?
Can they hear you?
Listening is an important sign of respect.
While growing up, a key lesson taught by my parents was to show respect by listening when someone spoke to you. It was also important to reply to them, in some way, so they knew that you understood the things they were trying to communicate to you.
"Children are naturally eager to share their experiences.... Are we as eager to listen? ... Parents with teenage youth may find that the time for listening is often less convenient but more important when young people feel lonely or troubled. And when they seem to deserve favor least, they may need it most.
"Wise parents and teachers, listen to learn from children. ... Wise children, listen to learn from parents. ... Wise partners, listen to learn from one another. ...
"[S]ome couples seem not to listen to one another. Taking time to talk is essential to keep lines of communication intact. If marriage is a prime relationship in life, it deserves prime time!" (Listen to Learn, Russell M. Nelson, Apr1991)
Russell M. Nelson's excellent guiding help (from approximately 30 years ago while he served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles), for the many different relationships we have with family, neighbors, and church leaders specifically includes listening to the "sentiments" of others, while looking them in the eyes when they are speaking (as he has observed a friend and excellent listener do), to help show genuine interest.
Russell M. Nelson become president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in January 2018, and although his advice in 1991 is many years prior, I feel his most significant counsel then is the reminder to always be listening for guidance from God, the Father, and His son Jesus Christ.
He also reminded us that "Scriptures recorded in all dispensations teach that we show our love of God as we hearken to His commandments and obey them." Nelson then closed this April 1991 conference address in the name of Jesus Christ by testifying of Jesus, and certifying that as we "...'hearken and ... hear the voice of the Lord,' we will be blessed, 'for the hour of [Christ's] coming is nigh' (D&C 133:16-17)."
I add my witness, that listening to those around us is vital for good relationships of all kinds. I also witness that listening for the quiet thoughts and whispers from God, that come to our minds as we search the scriptures and seek promptings from the Holy Ghost to know the will of our Father in Heaven, changes and increases our relationship with God so we really can have His help, and genuine guidance from Him in the sweetest relationship possible.
