he prays that their love will grow. Although he gave thanks for the authenticity of their love, he prayed that the quality and generosity of their love would abound more and more.78 Paul viewed love not as a static possession, but as a dynamic process. True love is not something you possess; true love constantly grows and increases. In his autobiographical sketch later in the letter, Paul pictures his own life as a race toward the finish line; he is pursing the goal, but not yet attaining it (3:12–14).