Why did god create free will?

God created man a rational being conferring on him the dignity of a person who can initiate and control his own actions. God willed that man should be left in the hand of his own counsel, so that he might, of his own accord, seek his Creator. Free will is the ability to choose between good and evil. If you choose evil, that is not God's fault. God respects the freedom of his creatures. God does not expect us to be perfect. If you prefer Hell (turning away from God) than Heaven, you are sending yourself there by your own free choice.