diff --git a/sqlitecluster/SQLiteNode.cpp b/sqlitecluster/SQLiteNode.cpp
index d40372b92..74339d29f 100644
--- a/sqlitecluster/SQLiteNode.cpp
+++ b/sqlitecluster/SQLiteNode.cpp
@@ -1283,7 +1283,7 @@ void SQLiteNode::_onMESSAGE(SQLitePeer* peer, const SData& message) {
         // represents ~30s of commits. If we're behind, let's close the command port
         // so we can catch up with the cluster before processing new commands.
         const string blockReason = "COMMITS_LAGGING_BEHIND";
-        const int64_t currentCommitDifference = getCommitCount() - peer->commitCount;
+        const int64_t currentCommitDifference =  peer->commitCount - getCommitCount();
         if (peer == _leadPeer && currentCommitDifference >= 12'500 && !_blockedCommandPort) {
             SINFO("Node is lagging behind, closing command port so it can catch up.");
             _server.blockCommandPort(blockReason);