The Christians and Jews have a very high position in Islaam. Not like any other religion. They are the ahlul kitaab people of the scripture. And are closest to Islaam.
Yet sadly throughout time these religions have changed dramatically and actually adopted heretical views, probably influenced by the time and era they flurished in.
In particular the Qur'aan describes over and over again, the very humble nature of the early Christians, who would fall on their faces in prostration to the all-Mighty Lord upon realising that indeed the Qur'aan is the truth as the Torah and Bible were.
However since many Christians and Jews deviated from the principles of their monothiestic faith, they are considered Mushriks in Islaam. Meaning that they ascribe partners to Allah, anything from sons to mothers. Even though this goes against the ten commandments that Moses himself came with.
Allah has sent Messenger after Messenger throughout time and mankind believed. The jews however denied Jesus and thus became unbelievers, and in a similar fashion christians denied the last of Messengers Muhammad, and also became unbelievers.
In Islaam when we mention the word love, it has a greater meaning then in english, it is a very deep emotion and it is the same emotion that if directed towards Allah is considered worship. Because of these implications and many more, we are not allowed to love a non muslim, yes we might have feelings for them as when a muslim man marries a christian or jewish lady, but full love we are forbidden from.
Yet as muslims we should treat any human being with mercy, muslim or non muslim, be he hindu or athiest, actually forget human beings even animals!
Our Prophet came to complete good manners, and as Muslims we should follow in his footsteps.
