Why would a God of love send someone to Hell?

A common misconception among people wavering in decision about whether or not to become a Christ-follower is that a God of mercy would not allow people to go to Hell. Let's paradigm-shift for a moment. What if every person is already destined for Hell and God provides the way of escape? Would that not display mercy? It is God's desire that no person would suffer an eternity in Hell. The Bible says, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).

It is true that each of us is born with a sinful nature and is destined to Hell. "[F]or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:23-24). So, being GOD, He could not allow sin to go unpunished. But, being a merciful God, He sent His very own Son to be the final payment for the sins of those who believe. It only takes faith. He gave so much but required so little. In my opinion, that is the epitome of a God of love.