How can a "loving" God send people to hell?

This is one of the most common misconceptions about Christianity.  The fact is, God doesn't send anyone anywhere.  Every single human being on the Earth must choose for themselves where they will spend eternity.  The options are:

  1. With God: choose this option if you'd like to spend eternity with God.

  2. Without God: choose this option if you'd like to spend eternity apart from God.

It's quite simple, really.  God says, "Look, I made this place, I made you, and I love you.  I want you to spend eternity with me.  But I'm not going to force you, because that wouldn't be loving at all.  So, I sent my son Jesus to pay for your sins, for the times when you've hurt yourself or others.  His shed blood can cover your sins, but on one condition: you have to choose to accept it.  I give you the choice.  If you want to be with me, just accept what I've freely given to you.  If you don't want to be with me, then reject what I've offered you."

So you see, the choice of where to spend eternity is solely up to you.