Michael came from a poor family, while his girlfriend, Clara, came from one of the richest families in town.
Clara’s parents disliked Michael because he had no expensive car, no large house, and no wealthy relatives.
One evening, Clara’s father asked Michael an uncomfortable question.
“How much money do you have?”
Michael answered honestly.
“Very little.”
Her father laughed.
“You cannot support my daughter.”
Michael did not become angry.
“You may be right today,” he said. “But I will never promise her a life I cannot provide. I can only promise to work hard and remain faithful.”
Clara’s father still refused to accept him.
Michael began working two jobs. During the day, he repaired electrical equipment. At night, he delivered food.
Clara wanted to help financially, but Michael refused.
“I want your love,” he told her. “I don’t want to depend on your family’s money.”
After several years, Michael saved enough to open a small electrical repair business.
The business grew.
One afternoon, Clara’s father visited the shop.
He watched Michael treat an elderly customer with respect even though she could barely afford the repair.
The father finally understood.
Michael had not changed because he became successful.
He had succeeded because he had always been responsible.
He apologized to Michael.
“I thought money made a man valuable.”
Michael smiled.
“Money can make life easier. But character makes a person worthy of love.”
Clara and Michael eventually married.
Their relationship became a reminder to both families that true love does not ask, “How much do you own?”
It asks, “How honestly do you love?”
