Hell is symbolic for eternal and lasting destruction. Fire destroys something completely so its used as an example of a person, that would not receive the gift of life, in the ressurection.
God says he is LOVE. Not has Love....But is LOVE. Burning people in hellfire forever would contradict that quality of himself. Yes, some may not inherit the gift of eternal life, and they would cease to exist, but they Will NOT burn in Hell. It is good enough to be Non-existing forever...he gets no more gratification ,in seeing his child burn in fire forever, than you would.