According to the provided text, how does Sai Baba demonstrate his affection for spiritually-minded devotees?

The text from Chapter 41 highlights Sai Baba's deep love and affection for devotees who possess a genuine interest in spiritual matters. It states that such individuals are very dear to Sai. His method of showing affection is profound; He actively works to ward off the difficulties and obstacles that they face on their path. In place of these hardships, Sai blesses them with the invaluable 'company of self-bliss.' The narrative of Balasaheb Deo is presented as a prime example of this principle, illustrating how Baba helps sincere seekers overcome their spiritual impediments to grant them the 'addition of devotion.'