Help Somebody Today

“Help Somebody Today” by Carrie Ellis Breck is a hymn that calls Christians to practical, compassionate service as an expression of their faith in Christ. Written in 1904, the hymn reflects Breck’s gift for writing devotional poetry that touches both the heart and the conscience. The opening line, “Look all around you, find someone in need,” sets the tone by reminding believers that the opportunities to show kindness and love are always near. It is grounded in the command of Galatians 6:10, urging Christians to do good as they encounter those who need comfort, care, or encouragement.

The hymn emphasizes that faith must not remain only a matter of words or inward devotion but should manifest itself in tangible acts of service. Each stanza encourages the believer to notice the lonely, the burdened, and the weary, offering them help in Christ’s name. This theme mirrors the teaching of James 2:17, which says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Breck highlights that no act of kindness is too small when done with a willing heart and motivated by the love of Jesus. Through simple yet direct words, the hymn makes it clear that helping someone today can be the very means by which God’s grace is made visible in the world.

Throughout its use in churches, “Help Somebody Today” has inspired congregations to embrace a life of service. It has often been sung in mission meetings, service-focused gatherings, and as a call to practical Christian living. Its enduring message is that true discipleship is not only about personal devotion but also about extending God’s love through action. The hymn serves as a reminder that opportunities to serve may pass quickly, so each day must be seized to share Christ’s compassion with others. By singing it, believers are encouraged to see their daily lives as a mission field and their hands as instruments of God’s mercy.