Wow! What a great question from our 11 year old son, Andrew. Our answer went something like this: We are made in the image of God. We asked Andrew if he knew why parents had children. He answered, "Because parents want children to love and care for." Correct! So it makes sense that God created man because he wanted to love and care for us just as parents do for their own children, and He wants a relationship with us.
God created us with free choice, which means it is our decision whether or not to love Him. If he created us to automatically love Him, like a robot, then it wouldn't be real love. He doesn't make us love Him, that's our choice.
Even though God knew that some people would choose not to love Him, He still wants the relationship with the people who choose to have a relationship with Him. Just as a parent is saddened when their child makes poor choices, and breaks their hearts, so it is the same with God. He gave us his laws, the ten commandments, for guidance, yet due to our sinful nature, we break them.
That's why God sent his Son, Jesus Christ. So that anyone who believes that He died on the cross for our sins, can have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and through Him be saved. Bible scripture John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
I hope this answer gave my son some understanding of God's love for us, and that He doesn't want anyone to perish. Please feel free to add any comments, advise, or answers that may be helpful in answering Andrew's question. God Bless!!
