God is good. Humans are good. So Hell isn't real, right?

Wrong.

Jesus instructed that the way to heaven was narrow and the way to hell wide. And in Mark 9 we are reminded that it is better to get to heaven with one eye than to hell with two. Around 150 AD made just as clear of a point: "If we do the will of Christ, we shall obtain rest; but if not, if we neglect his commandments, nothing will rescue us from eternal punishment" (Second Clement 5:5 [A.D. 150]).  This teaching holds until today:

 "The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, ‘eternal fire.’ The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in him alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs" (CCC 1035). 

It is common to undermine this doctrine, ignore this doctrine, or simply to deny it as illogical. But, pay attention to the following facts about what the Church really holds as true:

1. Hell is the absence of God. Just as those who live in his grace will continue to live eternally in his grace - perfected, so will all those who live in the absence of God live eternally in this absence. 

2. Christ gives life. We reject this life. This is hell. Its part of God's justice - because it is what we ask for through a habit of sin, that is, the rejection of God. 

Therefore there is no contradiction among our free will, the goodness of God, and
the existence of hell. Of course, very few of us are so filled with the presence of God by grace at death that we are ready for heaven, and thus we have purgatory - where the purification that did not take place on earth can continue until we are heaven ready. 

The doctrine of Hell need not cause us serious fear, at least not more than the doctrine of heaven should cause us intense hope. The choice is up to you; you know where God wants you. Keep your gaze on the Lord, let him carry you even, and that narrow way will be navigated with joy.