So why do so many self-proclaimed Christians imbue it negatively?
None of these verses do:
http://topicalbible.org/l/liberal.htm
Liberal (11 Occurrences)
Acts 10:2 He was religious and God-fearing--and so was every member of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people, and continually offered prayer to God. (WEY RSV)
Romans 12:8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Root in WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV)
2 Corinthians 8 : 7 Yes, just as you are already very rich in faith, readiness of speech, knowledge, unwearied zeal, and in the love that is in you, implanted by us, see to it that this grace of liberal giving also flourishes in you. (WEY)
2 Corinthians 8:20 For against one thing we are on our guard--I mean against blame being thrown upon us in respect to these large and liberal contributions which are under our charge. (WEY RSV NIV)
2 Corinthians 9:13 seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all; (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)
1 Timothy 6:18 They must be beneficent, rich in noble deeds, open-handed and liberal; (WEY DBY RSV)
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to be kind and liberal; for with sacrifices of that sort God is greatly pleased. (WEY)
Proverbs 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)
Proverbs 19:6 Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man; And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. (ASV JPS)
Isaiah 32:5 The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful. (KJV JPS WBS)
Isaiah 32:8 But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand. (KJV JPS WBS)
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