“authentic patriotism is not about you, what you believe or what you think is right. . authentic patriotism is not an opinion. it is an action.” —stephen kiernan

write an essay stating your position on which is more important: what a person thinks or what a person does.

At first you need to create small plan of your essay, so that it would be easier for you to make it and you will know which information you have to include.
According to the fact, that you should express your opinion depending on the quote, it's pretty easy. In first paragraph I suggest you describe people's actions towards their nativeland in general, compare some countries. Then add your personal opinion about people who always complain but not push their weight. In the last paragraph give some advice which you think could change this situation. The best way of writing such type of essay is to use contrast and compare tools.
Hope it will help.