With Actions of Thankfulness

That is what it says in the French Bible in Philippians 4:6. The saying: “To action, brothers!” is very fitting in this context.

This is the very thing that is always more or less lacking, in harmony with the well-known saying: “Much bleating, but little wool.” This is precisely why Francis of Assisi and his friends had this apt saying among themselves: “Fate, fate—non parlate,” which means, “Doing, doing, and not talking.” It is the same thing that that was so much on James’ heart, and about which he has written very simply and clearly and wonderfully in his epistle.

Rightly understood, we can reasonably state that this is the crux of the whole matter. The expression, “action power” is therefore one of the best phrases in the language for us. May this watchword leave a deep impression on everyone’s heart so it can act as a constant reminder.

You who hardly ever say, “Thank you!” and so weakly that you leave the impression that it is just idle talk—without any taste of thankfulness (the flavor is lacking)—do not excuse yourself with this lie: “I am thankful, am I not?”

Barely managing to squeeze out a few words of thanks is not what one could rightly call an action of thankfulness! Thankfulness is something vigorous and blessed! And that is our proper element, just like water is for fish.