You are grateful and appreciative when someone helps you out, allowing the relationship to grow.
The Torah tells us that G-d can't be bribed. The Midrash says that if we return to our essence (also known as repentance) and give up on our foolish non-G-dly pursuits, then Hashem forgives us.
The midrash calls this a bribe.
If G-d forbid someone steals then pays back what they stole, that is a fair exchange. However, if you accept a penny on the dollar, it can be called a bribe.
On one’s ultimate day of judgement, G-d doesn’t accept bribes. No deals. One is paid in full for their good deeds, and makes full amends for their mistakes. However, when a person is alive and on the road to recovery/repentance, Hashem is willing to cut a deal, a penny on the dollar, an unfair exchange. We just need to start on our journey toward a better life, and He accepts our change despite our minimal but sincere effort. G-d allows himself to be bribed by our sincere efforts to make amends, no different than the thief who’s able to cut a deal with his debtor.
So here is the secret: you can bribe G-d. It takes at least a little work but it is a good investment. Your ’little effort’ reaps boundless rewards, and the "new you" will be more fulfilled as well.
Have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
