You don't have to conceive of it - Jesus has told you what will happen - in the bible. The goats will be separated from the sheep - the goats will be sent into everlasting separation from God and the sheep will be ushered into unimaginably wonderful eternal life with Jesus Christ. I didn't use to believe in hell either (life is hell, right?), but Jesus believes in it - He created it for Satan and his angels, but those who reject Christ will go there as well. Will there be actual fire? I believe the "fire" may be a metaphor for anguish. Eternity is a long time. I want to remind you about God's laws - God does not grade on a curve - if you have broken His laws, you will be judged for it by the Perfect Judge unless you are covered by the atonement of Jesus Christ. Here is an analogy for you: If you were a judge in a courtroom and your soon was arrested for a felony and brought before you for sentencing - suppose he is really sorry and sobbing and you knew in your heart he would never do it again - would you have to punish him under the laws of the state you are sworn to uphold - YES if you are worth your salt. Now, imagine a perfect judge - would He have to punish you? YES. How could a loving God send someone to hell you might ask? Your own sins condemn you if you you do not have Christ as your covering.